The Son movie review

MOVIE TITLE: The Son

This melodramatic movie about a family in crisis is playing in some theaters, as well as streaming online.

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 2 hours 4 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B

IN A NUTSHELL:

This dramatic movie has already received several awards, including Best Film at the Venice Film Festival, with 3 nominations for Hugh Jackman’s outstanding performance.

It’s based on the play by Florian Zeller who is also the director of this movie! The story is about Peter who has a busy life with his new partner, Beth, their baby, and a new job offer. They are thrown into disarray when Peter’s ex-wife Kate turns up with their teenage son, Nicholas.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Kids will be completely bored. So will some parents.
Parenting is the hardest job in the world.
A mom gives a teen a cup of coffee for breakfast.
Profanity, including an F-bomb
Talk of depression and suicide
Talk of a gun and knife
A teen cuts himself
Hopefully, this film will serve as a cautionary tale for parents to always be aware of the signs of depression in teens.
I wish our kids truly understood how deeply we care, despite our weaknesses as parents.

THEMES:

Parenting
Divorce
Marriage
Infidelity
Depression
Pain
Mental illness
Cutting one’s self
Life’s choices

THINGS I LIKED:

The cast is stellar and includes Academy Award winners Anthony Hopkins and Laura Dern. The rest of the talented cast includes two Oscar nominees: Hugh Jackman and Vanessa Kirby. The performances by all of them are fantastic. The movie poster caught my attention simply with the presence of Hugh Jackman. I adore him. He’s receiving a lot of attention and award nominations for his performance in this film.
The “hip-sway” dance seen was the first one of very few scenes where we get to see some of the characters smile.
The movie’s title initially makes you think it’s about a teenage son who is depressed, but ultimately, you realize it’s about Hugh Jackman’s character when his father appears in a scene about their broken relationship.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

The movie is heartbreaking and depressing.
A mopey, depressed teen isn’t exactly breaking news.
I hate it when you ask a teenager a question and the answer is a shoulder shrug and “I dunno.”
Unfortunately, the young Zen McGrath who plays Nicholas, doesn’t have the years of experience to give the performance that his role demanded. He’s off to a good start though.

FUNNY LINES:

None. It’s a very serious movie.

INTERESTING LINES:

“When you hurt yourself, it’s as if you’re doing it to me.” – Peter (Hugh Jackman) “When you hurt mom, you were doing it to me.” – Nicholas (Zen McGrath)
“It’s better to see something in a dark light than to not see it at all.” – Beth (Vanessa Kirby)
“In these circumstances, love is not enough.” – Doctor Harris (Hugh Quarshie)
“It’s not about how much you love your son; it’s about protecting him.” – Doctor Harris (Hugh Quarshie)