A man refuses all assistance from his daughter as he ages. When he tries to understand what is happening around him, he begins to doubt his loved ones, his own mind and even the fabric of hi... Read allA man refuses all assistance from his daughter as he ages. When he tries to understand what is happening around him, he begins to doubt his loved ones, his own mind and even the fabric of his reality.A man refuses all assistance from his daughter as he ages. When he tries to understand what is happening around him, he begins to doubt his loved ones, his own mind and even the fabric of his reality.
- Won 2 Oscars
- 39 wins & 173 nominations total
Summary
Reviewers say 'The Father' is a poignant film exploring dementia's impact, lauded for its realistic portrayal and Anthony Hopkins' exceptional performance. The direction, using disorienting visuals, effectively immerses viewers in the protagonist's reality. However, some find the depiction too extreme, suggesting it may not fully represent all dementia experiences. Overall, it's a compelling, thought-provoking film on a universal struggle.
Featured reviews
And then you get Anthony Hopkins in THE FATHER. This is a devastatingly, heartbreakingly-brilliant performance and a great film. Hopkins' range is incredible. He goes from charming and funny to menacing to wholly lost in seconds. From man to child on a dime. It's a powerful rumination on a terrifying disease, bolstered by Sir Tony at his finest, a strong supporting turn from Olivia Colman, and an excellent script by Christopher Hampton and Florian Zeller (based on Zeller's play). It's a daring move to tell the story from the perspective of Hopkins' character as his mind increasingly deteriorates. A savvy one too, as the audience is forced to engage to truly understand what is real, who is who, and where precisely we are in our protagonist's gut-wrenching journey. This may be Hopkins best work, a late-career revelation that once again reminds us why he's one of our finest cinematic performers. Be warned. If you've ever been touched by the tragedy of dementia, this film could wreck you.
It's just so sad and also a bit terrifying. My wife works as a nurse in an alzheimer's ward, and she said this is the most realistic depiction of the disease she has ever seen. She also said in her opinion it should be required viewing for anyone that works with alzheimer's or dementia patients. What a movie!
Wow. This story is expertly crafted that I just don't know what is real and what isn't. Amazing acting too.
Anthony refuses to accept any help from his daughter Anne, or any family members, Anthony's confusion increases, he's battling dementia.
A powerhouse performance from Anthony Hopkins, this film is outstanding in almost every avenue. It came as no surprise that Hopkins was chosen for the part, he delivers a stellar performance, you'll feel Anthony's frustrations, hurt, and now and then you'll chuckle with him.
If you know someone with, or have cared for someone that suffers with dementia, you will spot so many of the little signals and quirks here.
This film is so incredibly realised, when you see dementia sufferers on the big screen, you normally get the view point of the friend or loved one affected by it, here you see the effect from the sufferer's point of view.
There's a degree of originality about this film that sets it apart, it is without a doubt, one of the best films from the last two decades.
10/10.
A powerhouse performance from Anthony Hopkins, this film is outstanding in almost every avenue. It came as no surprise that Hopkins was chosen for the part, he delivers a stellar performance, you'll feel Anthony's frustrations, hurt, and now and then you'll chuckle with him.
If you know someone with, or have cared for someone that suffers with dementia, you will spot so many of the little signals and quirks here.
This film is so incredibly realised, when you see dementia sufferers on the big screen, you normally get the view point of the friend or loved one affected by it, here you see the effect from the sufferer's point of view.
There's a degree of originality about this film that sets it apart, it is without a doubt, one of the best films from the last two decades.
10/10.
This is a film that stays with you. Of course there's the brilliant performances but there's more. While other films have taken on old age and dementia, those films took on coping with a significant other's condition. The difference here is that the film is from the sufferer's perspective. You therefore see these events as if you yourself have dementia. And it's stunning how, when you walk away, you know you can.
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaFlorian Zeller wanted Sir Anthony Hopkins specifically for the part. He sent Hopkins the script in 2017 and waited for a reply. In the meantime, he did not pursue production with any other actors in the lead role. He said if Hopkins had not agreed to the film, then it likely would have been made in French instead.
- ConnectionsFeatured in CBC News: Toronto: Episode dated 18 September 2020 (2020)
- SoundtracksCold Wind Var. 1 - Day 1
Music by Ludovico Einaudi
Piano: Ludovico Einaudi
Violin/Viola: Federico Mecozzi
Cello: Redi Hasa
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official sites
- Language
- Also known as
- El padre
- Filming locations
- Blythe House, 23 Blythe Road, West Kensington, London, Greater London, England, UK(Exterior scene: nursing home)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $6,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $2,122,771
- Gross worldwide
- $24,048,935
- Runtime1 hour 37 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39 : 1
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