[NL807]

I would be inclined interpret it like this:

* Tomatometer ≫ Audience, there is artificial bias on the critics side, perhaps due to political reasons, or perhaps due social conforming by film critics within a clique, or reviews are being paid for by the film industry.

* Tomatometer ≪ Audience, probably more fun, or less serious film, or may have politically confronting themes that critics don't like to praise.

* Tomatometer ≈ Audience, rating is probably a good indicator of film quality.

[alonsonic]

"Politically confronting themes" sounds like is very relative to your own political leaning.

Probably more in line with the idea that film critics have an inherent type of political inclination being a small, creative niche.