The Son
Hugh Jackman stars in Florian Zeller's latest film The Son which follows a high-flying corporate lawyer as he tries to reconnect with his estranged son, who is now dealing with depression following his parent's divorce.
Viewers are quickly immersed in the world of Nicholas (Zen McGrath), Peter (Jackman), and Kate (Laura Dern) when Kate suddenly shows up on Peter's doorstep. Here we learn that Peter has moved on with his life with a new partner, Beth (Vanessa Kirby), & baby son. Kate is there however to explain to Peter that Nicholas hasn't attended school for the past month, she is worried about him & that she is even scared of Nicholas at times.
Although Peter has a new family he welcomes Nicholas into his home, although Beth is a little more reluctant to do so. Peter, feels some sense of responsibility for failing Nicholas & is trying to avoid developing a similar relationship to the one he had with his own father.
The dynamic between Nicholas, Peter & Beth is understandably fractured but as time passes Nicholas begins to bond & open up with the pair. In this way, The Son highlights the difficulties parents can have simply understanding how their child could be struggling with mental health, depression & even suicidal thoughts.
While on the surface Nicholas & Peter appear to be bonding deep down Nicholas is stifle struggling to keep from drowning in his own darkness. An experience shared by his mother Kate as she battles with her own sense of failure as a parent.
The Son is an oppressive film that imparts a sense of impending dread on the viewer. While you are witnessing Nicholas seemingly improve you can't help but feel there is something tragic looming on the horizon constantly.
The moment that is perhaps the most devastating comes at the end when Florian Zeller toys with your emotions. Viewers will be questioning the thought processes & motivations of Peter, Kate & even Nicholas throughout the film.
The Son is an important film because it tackles themes of teen depression & suicide in a very realistic manner. However, this makes it a suffocating & largely predictable film.
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