Opened: January 27, 2020

Directed by: Florian Zeller

Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Olivia Colman, Rufus Sewell, Imogen Poots, Olivia Williams, Mark Gatiss & Ayesha Dharker

With a tour de force performance from Anthony Hopkins, The Father is a sad and touching film about growing old from Florian Zeller – adapted from his play.

Anne (Olivia Colman) is trying to help her aging father (Hopkins) into assisted living as his health begins to decline due to dementia.

What sets this apart from other films that follow the child caring for their elderly parent formula is that we see it from the father’s point of view. We share in his confusion of the people around him and situations he’s in rather than just watch it. It allows you to feel more deeply for his character as you also try to put the pieces together.

Hopkins plays with an incredible range of emotions and connects well with Colman, who will have you tearing up.

Final say: A beautiful tragedy. ★★★★☆