Synopsis:
Anthony is 80, mischievous, living defiantly alone and rejecting the carers that his daughter, Anne, encouragingly introduces. Yet help is also becoming a necessity for Anne; she can’t make daily visits anymore and Anthony’s grip on reality is unravelling. As we experience the ebb and flow of his memory, how much of his own identity and past can Anthony cling to? How does Anne cope as she grieves the loss of her father, while he still lives and breathes before her? THE FATHER warmly embraces real life, through loving reflection upon the vibrant human condition; heart-breaking and uncompromisingly poignant – a movie that nestles in the truth of our own lives.
There’s nothing more terrifying to youth than the certainty of aging. We fear the wrinkles, the responsibility, the regret, and ultimately, death. Hell, most of us dread turning 30, but the reality is that there is a time in between the beginning and end that is more distressing and we rarely discuss it. What happens when we find ourselves in our sixties or seventies and we can’t remember what days it is? Or when our memories become our current reality and we can’t differentiate between past and present. It’s a very real situation for a large number of the population and a very real possibility that it will affect you or a family member. Not only do you possibly become a detriment to yourself but you may put stress on your family. Embrace the wrinkles because it could be abundantly more horrifying.
“…What’s going to become of me?”
Florian Zeller’s The Father is an extremely human drama about the indestructible bond between a father and daughter and the first-person perspective of dementia and its effects. And while it may not be a horror film, it’s just as terrifying at times. This film is incredibly eye-opening and truly heartbreaking. While there are some instances of levity and touching moments, the story focuses on Anthony and his losing battle against his own mind. Unfolding in a thriller-like fashion, you never know exactly what’s real and what’s not. The execution of this film is masterful as is the acting. Being able to tell a beautifully poignant story that elicits genuine empathy while also being able to thrill makes this a must-see film. Witnessing dementia in this way is immensely powerful. We usually get this type of drama in a particular form.
Its usual focus solely results in the family attempting to figure out the best way to handle their elders, however, this take is rather unique. The film is terrifically shot, wonderfully written, and I really want to give Anthony Hopkins a hug. I highly recommend The Father. Its rewatchability is high.
Plot & Pace
When the elderly Anthony’s dementia becomes increasingly worse, his daughter, Anne who has been his main caretaker, can no longer fill that role. After many failed attempts at securing a carer for her father, she has a difficult decision to make. As his reality unravels around him, he struggles to understand exactly what’s going on. Clinging to the bond he has with his daughter keeps him going but the threat of it disappearing may change things forever.
The film moves and unravels at the pace of a thriller but is heartwrenching like a drama.
Characters & Chemistry
If it wasn’t apparent before, Anthony Hopkins is one of the greatest actors of our lifetime. If there is any doubt, his performance in this film solidifies it. Playing a man with the same name, Hopkins plays this role as if it’s his last. There’s literally nothing negative I can say about his portrayal. He delivers each scene with such zeal and fervor and a level of compassion for the role that elicits deep emotion and tremendous empathy. Olivia Colman as his daughter, Anne plays a role that so many of us can relate to. Colman plays the role with such care and as well as a gentle firmness. The chemistry between Colman and Hopkins is as sweet as it is heartbreaking.
Director: Florian Zeller
Writer: Christopher Hampton and Florian Zeller
Producers: David Parfitt (p.g.a.), Jean-Louis Livi (p.g.a.), Philippe Carcassonne (p.g.a.), Christophe Spadone, Simon Friend, Alice Dawson (co-producer)
Executive Producers: Héloïse Spadone, Alessandro Mauceri, Lauren Dark, Ollie Madden, Daniel Battsek, Hugo Grumbar, Tim Haslam, Paul Grindey
Rated: PG-13
Runtime: 1h 37m
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
