By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if
Anthony Hopkins (“The Two Popes”) and
Olivia Colman (TV’s “The Crowne”) rise from the dark during Awards Season.
Hopkins and Colman are dynamic in
“The Father” which has racked up Golden Globe nominations for “Best Picture” and “Best Supporting Actress” (Colman) as well as Critics Choice nods for “Best Actor” and “Best Supporting Actress.”
“The Father,” marks the big screen debut for French playwright Florian Zeller who adapted the movie from his 2012 stage play of the same name. “The Father” is extremely touching and will strike at the heart of anyone who has dealt with a family member suffering from dementia.
When we first meet 80-year-old Anthony (Hopkins) he’s seated comfortably in his chic London flat relaxing to some classical music. His daughter Anne (Colman) is attentive to him although he doesn’t always recognize her and remember much that she says.
Anne is dealing with a lot too. She desperately wants to be there and care for her father, but she also must live her life. So, when she invites a caregiver named Laura (Imogen Poots, “French Exit”) over to the flat to meet Anthony, it doesn’t go so well.
Anthony angrily insists he doesn’t need anyone to take care of him, but clearly, he does. His mind often wanders, and he can’t remember the conversation he has with Anne about her possibly moving to Paris or who she’s even marrying. Is it “The Man” (Mark Gatiss, “Locked Down”) that he’s met? There’s also another guy named Paul (Rufus Sewell, TV’s “The Pale Horse”) who has been over for dinner and seems awfully rude. Is he Anne’s husband?
Anthony also keeps asking about his daughter Lucy and can never remember where his watch is.
“The Father” is at times painful to watch especially when Anthony becomes frightened and begins to realize that everything seems off and is foreign to him.
Last year, Hopkins received an Oscar nomination for his role in “The Two Popes.” “The Father” marks another bold and stunning performance by the 83-year-old actor who can still light up the screen.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays at 6:20 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Watch This Trailer For
"THE FATHER"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The Black Film Critics Circle (BFCC), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
