The Father (2020)

Director: Florian Zeller

Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Olivia Colman, Mark Gatiss

A man refuses all assistance from his daughter as he ages. As he tries to make sense of his changing circumstances, he begins to doubt his loved ones, his own mind and even the fabric of his reality.

Wow, wow, wow, this was STUNNING!! ‘The Father’ is an absolute masterpiece!

Seeing out parents grow older is very difficult, especially when it becomes difficult for them to look after themselves. And, yeah, we only know too well they won’t admit it.

‘The Father’ takes a look at a man suffering from dementia, and slowly but surely losing grip on reality – and time itself. Interestingly, the film is told from the victim’s perspective, how he perceives his own reality – or lack of. It also illustrates how difficult – and sometimes frustrating – it is for the loved ones, and their loved ones. In this case, his daughter, Anne, who looks after him.

Time becomes irrelevant to someone suffering from dementia, and this is illustrated so incredibly well in ‘The Father’. There are so many shock twists and turns, and its heartbreaking to see. The subtle score was so effective – almost haunting. Anthony Hopkins delivers one of the best performances I have ever seen! He is absolutely FANTASTIC! Olivia Colman is equally incredible as Anne.

The film has a simple setting and would work just as well as a stage play, which I think would be a great idea.

If you’ve ever known someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, you will relate, and it will be heart wrenching – as it was for me. ‘The Father’ is a film everyone should see.

‘The Father’ earned $28.4 million on a $6 million budget. It received 196 award nominations, winning 36 including 2 Oscars (Best Actor for Anthony Hopkins, and Best Screenplay).

Would I watch it again? Yes!!