The Son” (2022), available now on Netflix, is an emotionally riveting drama with stunning cinematography. It tells a gripping tale about a troubled family struggling with fear, guilt, and the consequences of hidden truths. Serving as Director Florian Zeller’s second installment in his acclaimed trilogy exploring mental health. This startlingly honest portrayal of a family crisis leaves audiences thinking long after watching has finished.
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Hugh Jackman earned critical acclaim for his masterful portrayal of Peter, a prominent Manhattan lawyer characterized by a polished corporate presence and seemingly idyllic family life. However, when his first wife, Kate (Laura Dern), arrives on the scene, it sets in motion a journey marked by fear and loathing among family members. Especially, after Kate brings news that 17-year-old Nicholas (Zen McGrath) has stopped attending school and shows symptoms of mental illness.
Though not quite on par with its predecessor, “The Father,” this film still makes an impactful statement. Florian Zeller and Christopher Hampton’s screenplay, adapted from Zeller’s 2018 play of the same name, retains much of its intensity. It expertly translates to the cinema. Meanwhile, its raw performances come courtesy of Jackman, Dern, and McGrath as well as Vanessa Kirby, Hugh Quarshie, and Anthony Hopkins, among many others.
The film, however, has its flaws. At times, dialogue may feel stilted. Character reactions sometimes lack emotional depth. There’s also a feeling that the actors’ efforts have limits due to insufficient exploration of the mental health struggles of their characters in this film.
Zen McGrath’s portrayal of Nicholas, the titular son, has received mixed reviews. Nicholas’ mental health crisis is distressingly relatable. However, critics have noted that McGrath’s performance as Nicholas can sometimes come off as rough and miscast. Nonetheless, he successfully conveys the emotional turmoil of an unhappy teenager. He adds dimension to their family’s agonizing struggle.
“The Son” is undeniably an engaging psychological drama that explores mental health’s raw and uncomfortable realities in family settings. The film’s depiction of a perfect family disintegrating under its burden of hidden truths proves. “The Son” serves as a timely reminder of the emotional and psychological cost associated with maintaining appearances in our society.
Hugh Jackman and Laura Dern’s performances as parents trying to understand and navigate their son’s mental health issues while experiencing personal and relational turmoil provide the film with its heartrending authenticity. This is further complemented by Florian Zeller and Christopher Hampton’s screenplay, adapted from Zeller’s 2018 play of the same name.
“The Son” is an emotionally charged and poignant exploration of a family in crisis. It depicts mental health with haunting evocative imagery and powerful performances from an ensemble cast. While not perfect in terms of dialogue and character development, its poignant depiction of mental illness and powerful performances make this film notable addition to mental health-themed film canons. Furthermore, its undeniably significant, compassionate, and insightful narrative allows its audience to confront both realities associated with mental illness and familial dynamics head-on.
