The Father
Movie Trailer
Release Date
February 26, 2021 (USA)
Genre
Drama
Cast & Crew
- Anthony Hopkins as Anthony
- Olivia Colman as Anne
- Mark Gatiss as The Man
- Imogen Poots as Laura
- Rufus Sewell as Paul
- Olivia Williams as The Woman
Director
Florian Zeller
Other Movies Director is Known For
- The Son (2022)
- The Mother (upcoming)
Producer
- Philippe Carcassonne
- Jean-Louis Livi
- David Parfitt
Writer
- Florian Zeller (screenplay)
- Christopher Hampton (screenplay)
Based on the play Le Père by Florian Zeller
Budget
$6 million
Production Company
- Trademark Films
- F Comme Film
- Ciné@
- Film4 Productions
Running Time
97 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
PG-13
Content Advisory
- Thematic elements involving dementia and aging
- Some language
- Emotional intensity
Movie Story
The Father is a profoundly moving drama that offers a unique and disorienting exploration of dementia from the perspective of the afflicted. The story centers on Anthony (Anthony Hopkins), an elderly man living in London who is suffering from the early stages of dementia. As his condition worsens, his grip on reality begins to slip, causing confusion, frustration, and fear.
Anthony’s daughter, Anne (Olivia Colman), struggles to care for him while also managing her own life. She plans to move to Paris with her partner, which forces her to make difficult decisions about her father’s care. However, as the film unfolds, the narrative becomes increasingly fragmented and disjointed, mirroring Anthony’s deteriorating mental state. The audience experiences events as Anthony does, with characters and settings shifting unexpectedly, and time becoming fluid and unreliable.
The film masterfully blurs the lines between reality and perception, creating a sense of disorientation that reflects the confusion and helplessness that Anthony feels. Through this unique narrative structure, The Father offers a deeply empathetic portrayal of the struggles faced by those living with dementia, as well as the emotional toll on their loved ones.
Anthony Hopkins delivers a tour-de-force performance, capturing the vulnerability, anger, and moments of clarity that come with the disease. Olivia Colman is equally compelling as Anne, conveying the heartbreak and frustration of watching a loved one slip away. The film’s emotional impact is further heightened by its intimate setting and subtle yet powerful direction by Florian Zeller, who adapts his own award-winning play for the screen.
Special Effects
The Father does not rely on traditional special effects but instead uses clever production design, editing, and subtle changes in the environment to convey Anthony’s shifting perception of reality. The film’s sets are designed to change subtly throughout, with objects, furniture, and even characters appearing differently in various scenes, which effectively immerses the audience in Anthony’s disoriented state of mind.
Box Office Performance
The Father was a critical success and performed well at the box office, grossing approximately $28 million worldwide. Its success was bolstered by strong word-of-mouth, critical acclaim, and awards season buzz, particularly for Anthony Hopkins’ performance.
Filming Locations
- London, England, UK
Notable Quotes
- “I feel as if I’m losing all my leaves. The branches, and the wind, and the rain. I don’t know what’s happening anymore.” – Anthony
- “You have your life. You have your things. What more do you want?” – Anthony
- “I’m not leaving my flat!” – Anthony
Behind-the-Scenes
The Father is Florian Zeller’s directorial debut, and he brought his deep understanding of the source material to the film, having originally written and directed the play Le Père. The decision to tell the story from Anthony’s perspective was a deliberate choice to immerse the audience in the experience of dementia, making it a powerful and unsettling viewing experience. The film’s production design and use of space were meticulously planned to reflect the internal chaos of the protagonist’s mind. Anthony Hopkins’ performance was widely praised and led to him winning the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Awards
- Academy Award: Won for Best Actor (Anthony Hopkins) and Best Adapted Screenplay
- BAFTA Awards: Won for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Anthony Hopkins) and Best Adapted Screenplay
- Nominated for Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Drama
Final Verdict
The Father is a heartbreaking and beautifully crafted film that offers a raw and intimate portrayal of dementia. With a stunning performance by Anthony Hopkins and a uniquely immersive narrative structure, the film is both a challenging and deeply moving experience. It stands as one of the most powerful films about aging and memory, providing insight into the emotional and psychological impact of this devastating condition.
IMDb Rating
8.2/10