THE FATHER (PG-13)
Released by Sony Pictures Classics
Review by Adam Mast
The powerful new film THE FATHER is quite an emotionally devastating experience. Few films have been able to capture the pure dramatic impact as well as the complete and utter confusion that comes with dementia quite like this one. It’s one part gut-wrenching domestic drama, one part haunting mystery, and one part reality-based horror film, and I won’t soon forget it.
Fueled by a towering Anthony Hopkins performance, THE FATHER tells the story of Anthony (Hopkins), a man in his 80s whose progressing health issues all but force his loving but emotionally drained daughter, Anne (Olivia Coleman) to seek the aid of a caregiver. Of course, that’s easier said than done as Anthony is often as cantankerous and tenacious as he is loving and charismatic. Translation; He isn’t willing to accept the help that’s being offered.
As directed by Florian Zeller (this film is based on his play), THE FATHER is sensitive without being sentimental. While reverent, it doesn’t shy away from showing the very real and often very brutal hardships that come with dementia, both from the standpoint of those stricken with illness and the family members doing what they can to care for them. Of course, it is the fashion in which Zeller puts you in Anthony’s headspace that makes this such a rich, powerful, and sometimes depressing experience. He brings a deft and assured touch to the proceedings and It might come as a surprise to some that this is Zeller’s feature directorial debut. Clearly, his work in the theater world served him well because this is a dramatic powerhouse from top to bottom.
But then, it should be noted that Zeller has a true thespian in his corner in the form of the legendary Sir Anthony Hopkins. This is yet another unforgettable performance on a resume that already has quite a few unforgettable performances to speak of (see his brilliance on display in the likes of SHADOWLANDS, REMAINS OF THE DAY, THE ELEPHANT MAN, and SILENCE OF THE LAMBS just to name a precious few.) Hopkins’s ability to capture the confusion, tenacity, charm, humor, pain and childlike presence of this ill-stricken man is next to none. Simply put; This is a masterclass performance from one of the very best in the business.
Likewise, Coleman (who won an Oscar just a few years ago for her memorable turn in THE FAVOURITE) brings raw, unfiltered emotion to Anne, a compassionate woman who is coming to the stark realization that she can no longer care for her father on her own. Together, Coleman and Hopkins are sensational bringing authenticity and heartbreak in equal measure. Rounding out a stellar supporting cast are Olivia Williams, Imogen Poots, Rufus Sewell, and Mark Gatiss.
THE FATHER isn’t always an easy watch, particularly for those who’ve been touched by dementia in some way, but in the end, this is a thoughtful, quiet, elegant, profoundly moving film, beautifully crafted by a very gifted storyteller. And once again, it’s headlined by the great Anthony Hopkins, an iconic performer who, even in his 80s, is showing no signs of slowing down, and quite frankly, we the filmgoers are all the luckier for it.
