One of the best films qualified for an Oscar, The Father, is an acting tour de force in a compelling drama takes you into the mind of an elderly person’s worst situation. There have been other films with a similar storyline, but the way The Father plays out will have you taking sides till the very end. It’s all in the acting and Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Coleman that makes this script a winner.
Living alone in an apartment Anthony (Anthony Hopkins), now in his 80’s, refuses any help from his Daughter Anne (Olivia Coleman) and constantly tries to convince her. She’s dauntless however, and wants nothing but the best for him, including an able health worker that will keep him safe from harm and stable. Anthony’s memory is not too swift and he makes up stories on what is happening to him, especially referring to his current Visiting Nurse. He tries avoiding his daughter’s discussion on the matter, but it doesn’t help Anne’s determination to guarantee her father’s health and safety.
Photo by Sean Gleason. Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics
On this day Anne informs her dad that she is going to leave London and he must allow her to get a new permanent health companion for him. She introduces as Laura (Imogen Poots) to him and is enamored by her charm. Anne infers that if he fails to accept her the only alternative is to be put him in an assisted living facility. But first she will try to keep Anthony where he is as long as he’s happy there.
To show he is self-reliant Anthony dresses up each mooring and waits for Anne to come by the next visit from Laura. When Paul (Mark Gatiss), Anne’s “husband”, drops by, Anthony starts to get a little touchy as he’s doubtful about his identity. Things then start to get out of hand when different people begin showing up and Anthony forgets who they are.
Photo by Sean Gleason. Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics
The film takes on a disconcerting air as the audience must try to determine whether Anthony is losing his memory or that people are trying to manipulate him. Director and writer Florian Zeller does a very good job of keeping his audience off balance by changing scenery, adding characters and creating dialogue that becomes a bit quarrelsome and even defiant.
Once you get into the film you are hooked by the brilliant acting, directing and storyline. The film is in my top 10 for 2020 and both performances by Anthony Hopkins and Olivia are very special and should be honored with recognition. The film is available in theaters nationwide from Sony Pictures Classics on March 12 followed by PVOD starting on March 26. My rating for the fine acting and direction is 5 out of 5 Stars.
Photo by Sean Gleason. Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Olivia Coleman, Mark Gatiss, Imogen Poots, Rufus Sewell
Directed and co-written by: Florian Zeller
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some strong language, and thematic material
Running Time: 1hr. 37 min
Opening Date: March 12, 2021
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Classics
Released in: Theaters and (PVOD March 26, 2021)
Available in West Central Florida at:
Tampa: AMC Veterans 24, AMC Westshore 14, Highwood 20, Tampa Theatre, Woodlands Square 20 Theaters (Oldsmar)
Bradenton: AMC Bradenton 20
Brandon: AMC Regency 20
St. Petersburg: Sundial 12
Sarasota: Sarasota 12
Check local listings for theater near you.
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
