The Father
Year: 2020
Rating: PG-13
Length: 97 minutes / 1.62 hours
The failing mental health of an elderly parent is a perennial topic for critically-acclaimed movies. Most of the time, the focus is on how their supportive family watches them steadily deteriorate until they can do nothing else. The Father (2020) is one such film, but with a unique twist that makes it hit a lot harder than the standard Alzheimers fare. While attempting to present this disease from the aging parent’s perspective is a bold choice, The Father leans into some radically artistic choices that might leave some viewers more confused than enlightened.
I’m trying to avoid discussing the avant-garde method The Father uses to induce the kind of confusion that comes with Alzheimer’s, mostly because I don’t want to spoil the effect for anyone who hasn’t seen this film yet. Needless to say, things make sense…eventually. The point isn’t to understand it; it’s to empathize with the main character. Of course, with the current era being what it is, even this fails to break through the dislike of the entitled, old white guy who ends up making things difficult for everyone around him.
Anthony Hopkins certainly nails this role (especially at the end), and all the supporting characters are equally as strong in their performances. It’s just that the role of an elderly white man is played almost too well. The stubbornness that Hopkins’ character exudes is so frustrating as to make him entirely unsympathetic. If anything, I almost relate more to Paul (Rufus Sewell), who sees the detrimental effect Anthony is having on his daughter, Anne (Olivia Colman). I can only hope that I don’t suffer from the same stubbornness when I get to the age where my mind is failing because it is not a good look on anyone.
A confusing but ultimately enlightening look into Alzheimer’s, I give The Father 3.5 stars out of 5.
1/2
