Name: The Son
Genre: Drama
Released: 2022-11-10T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Zen McGrath, Vanessa Kirby, Laura Dern, Anthony Hopkins

Hugh Jackman stands in the doorway of his sleek New York apartment, his expression a mix of determination and apprehension as he prepares to welcome his troubled teenage son into his carefully constructed new life. This is the opening image of Florian Zeller’s “The Son,” a drama that dives headfirst into the complexities of mental health, parental responsibility, and the limits of love.

“The Son” follows Peter (Jackman), a successful lawyer with a new wife and infant, who agrees to take in his teenage son Nicholas (Zen McGrath) from a previous marriage after concerns about the boy’s behavior arise. The film is an adaptation of Zeller’s own stage play, and it shows in the intimate, almost claustrophobic focus on the central relationships. The strength of the film lies in its unflinching exploration of the fear and uncertainty that comes with trying to help a loved one struggling with mental illness.

Jackman delivers a powerful performance, embodying Peter’s internal conflict with subtle physicality and restrained emotion. His scenes with McGrath are particularly compelling, as the two navigate the tense dynamic between a father trying to connect with his son and a teenager pushing back against the world. Vanessa Kirby is also noteworthy as Beth, Peter’s new wife, whose own maternal instincts clash with her step-son’s erratic behavior.

The film’s greatest asset is its ability to capture the slippery, often terrifying reality of caring for someone expressing suicidal ideation. Zeller and the cinematographer use tight framing and natural lighting to create an atmosphere of unease, emphasizing the emotional and physical strain on Peter as he tries to keep his son safe. The sound design amplifies this tension, with sudden silences and amplified heartbeats underscoring moments of crisis.

However, “The Son” falters in its pacing and structural choices. The film’s adherence to a stage-like structure means that many scenes play out like extended dialogues, which can feel static despite the strong performances. Additionally, some supporting characters, particularly Laura Dern as Kate (Peter’s ex-wife), are underdeveloped, leaving their motivations and emotions somewhat murky.

The film also struggles with its tone at times, veering between heart-wrenching drama and moments of forced levity that don’t always land. While these attempts at balance aim to reflect the reality of living with mental illness—where hope and despair often coexist—they occasionally disrupt the film’s emotional momentum.

“The Son” is a flawed but well-intentioned drama that benefits from strong performances and a central theme that resonates deeply in today’s world. It’s not an easy watch, nor is it meant to be.