The Father Review: 5 Ups And 2 Downs

Florian Zeller adapted his own stage play for the script of this film and he managed to do so with the same level of sensitivity that was required for the stage. A film like this runs the risk of being depressing for the sake of it and having a heavy handed approach to making the audience feel sad. The Father is not guilty of this at all as the characters are strongly written while being interwoven with Anthony's illness.

This isn't just an excuse to show off dementia in a cinematic way, Anthony is fully fleshed out, as is Anne and their bond and history is clearly established over the course of the film. The story only feels as brutal and as honest as it does thanks to the connection you have to the two principal characters involved.

Florian Zeller's previous play adaptation The Wife starring Glenn Close was also a strong drama where the writing allowed you to care about the characters. The difference was that The Wife's narrative wasn't overly engaging. The Father's script is far more impressive as it tells a complicated and thrilling narrative with richly drawn characters to go alongside it.