The Son

Starring Hugh Jackman, Laura Dern, Zen McGrath and Vanessa Kirby, this aggressive drama focuses on the pensive topics of depression, divorce and living in the past.

The film follows recently divorced Peter (Hugh Jackman) who has remarried Beth (Vanessa Kirby). Ready to start their life with their newborn son, Peter is thrown back into the past when his ex-wife Kate (Laura Dern) shows up explaining issues with their teenage son Nicholas (Zen McGrath). Plagued by depression, intrusive thoughts and suicidal tendencies, Nicholas needs help but neither of his parents are sure how to handle the situation.

This drama showcases Hugh Jackman and Laura Dern’s talent but the overall film isn’t entirely riveting. Without a clear beginning, middle and end, the viewer is taken on a two hour journey of back and forths and a whole lot of flashbacks to Peter’s first marriage. Constantly reaching for the past, Peter loses sight of the present, especially with how to deal with his troubled son. Striving to help Nicholas as best he can by parenting the same way his father did, Peter is simultaneously destroying his relationship with his son, his dream job and his new marriage at the same time.

Directed by Florian Zeller, the film gently explores these heavy themes and does so in a beautifully filmed yet dull way. Written by Zeller and Christopher Hampton, the story focuses on how Peter could have been a better father but also showcases the fact that he has no idea where he went wrong.

An avalanche of melancholy takes over this film from beginning to end. Without the all-star cast and incredible acting skills they possess, this film would be a lengthy portrayal of how divorce can ruin a child. If you’re looking for a tear-jerking way to spend an afternoon, this is the film for you.

The Son opens nationally February 9.