Opened: November 25, 2022

Directed by: Florian Zeller

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Laura Dern, Vanessa Kirby, Zen McGrath, George Cobell, Hugh Quarshie & Anthony Hopkins

Two years after the adaptation of his play The Father won him an Oscar, writer-director Florian Zeller is back with the devastating adaptation of his play The Son.

Nicholas (Zen McGrath) decides to move in with his father Peter (Hugh Jackman) after having issues at school and not connecting with his mom Kate (Laura Dern). Peter and his new wife Beth (Vanessa Kirby) try to help get Nicholas back on track, but his depression deepens.

The story is deeply affecting with Jackman at the forefront giving a career-best performance that will move you. Dern and McGrath also shine with Dern continuing to prove why she’s one of the greats, while McGrath has a stellar breakout role.

While there are issues with camerawork, Zeller knows how to create loneliness in each frame.

Final say: Heartbreaking from start to finish. ★★★★☆