Dec. 23, 2020|UK|97 Min.|PG-13
Genre: Drama
Description: “The Father” (2020) is a compelling drama that delves into the complexities of dementia. The story follows Anne (Olivia Colman) as she visits her father, Anthony (Anthony Hopkins), after he becomes hostile toward his latest caretaker. Anthony, suffering from dementia, struggles with memory loss, often forgetting significant events and misplacing items like his watch, despite keeping it in the same spot daily. He accuses the caretaker of stealing his watch and insists he will never leave his flat. Anne reveals her plan to move to Paris with her new boyfriend, which puzzles Anthony, as he believes she is still married to James. Anne explains they divorced five years ago and leaves.
The next day, Anthony is confused to find a stranger, Paul (Mark Gatiss), in his flat. Paul claims Anthony lives with him and Anne. Anne returns from shopping, appearing as a different woman (Olivia Williams), further disorienting Anthony. Anne arranges for a new caretaker, Laura (Imogen Poots), to interview at the house. Anthony insists he was a professional dancer and doesn’t need assistance. Later, he confides in Laura that she reminds him of his daughter Lucy, with whom he hasn’t spoken in months, though he doesn’t know why.
Anne takes Anthony to a doctor, where he denies having memory issues. He proudly tells Laura about Lucy, a talented painter. Laura expresses sympathy for Lucy’s accident, which Anthony doesn’t recall. She changes the subject and administers his medication. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Anthony has been living in Anne and Paul’s flat for years, though he is convinced he still resides in his own private apartment. The film poignantly portrays the disorienting and heartbreaking effects of dementia.
Cast director: Florian Zeller
Cast actor: Anthony Hopkins, Olivia Colman, Mark Gatiss, Olivia Williams, Imogen Poots, Rufus Sewell, Ayesha Dharker, Roman Zeller, Scott Mullins, Ray Burnet
Original name: The Father