1. The Father
The Father is directed and co-written by Florian Zeller, and follows an elderly man, Anthony, who desperately clings onto mental stability as he battles with dementia. It’s a powerful gut punch of a movie that is as much emotionally invigorating as it is utterly heartbreaking.
Zeller adapts the script from his own stage play of the same name. This influence of medium is evident in the limited set. Most of the action takes place in one location. What this allows though is for Zeller to play with the space to great effect. Seeds of doubt are sown in the audience’s minds in one scene, only to be watered and bloomed in the next. We’re with Anthony the entire time, with Zeller’s realization of his illness’ symptoms making the dramatic beats all the more impactful.
The Father rests on the performances of its two leads. Particularly Anthony Hopkins, who brings his character to life with a powerful deftness. Olivia Colman also gives a career-best here, which the Oscars rightfully recognised in her Best Supporting Actress nomination.
Anyone who can remotely relate to the subject matter on display will find a deeper resonance and emotional attachment. However the entire crew of cast and creatives have a crafted a film that moves you, breaks you and sweeps you up into a deeply engaging story.
The Father probably won’t win Best Picture at the Oscars this year, but as the nominations go, you’d be hard pressed to find one as thoroughly effective as this.
