The Father Review

The Father Review
By Myla Tosatto

The Father has already been nominated for 4 Golden Globes. Will it see love come Oscar time? That is the question. Anthony Hopkins as Anthony (the titular Father) and Olivia Colman as his daughter Anne are superb in their roles (but then again, when aren’t they?). This quiet drama that takes place in basically one setting is dominated by their acting. It must be this way since the story by Florian Keller and Christopher Hampton (based off the play written by Zeller) circles, swerves and repeats around the moments and memories of Anthony and Anne. The audience is left to decide what is real and what is memory right along with Anthony and Anne. Sometimes it’s fun and mundane. At other times it’s cruel and heartbreaking.

The Father, also directed by Zeller, isn’t a light and breezy movie going experience. It is thoughtful and heart wrenching. The loss of stature and memory are hard on the person experiencing it and for their loved ones and caregivers.

Though at times it is painful to watch, The Father does give insight into the mind of someone going through the devastation of memory loss. Anthony Hopkins doesn’t have an easy role but he carries it off mightily. Anyone that has been in Anne’s shoes will recognize the truth of her performance.

This movie is remarkable for (besides the stellar acting of Hopkins and Colman) the production design, art direction and set decoration. The designers’ subtle work really pushes the narrative of The Father. Sometimes you are right there with Anthony wondering exactly where you are.

This is definitely not a feel good movie but the message is on point. You will want to see The Father. And you should.