THE SON
California Premiere
WORLD
UK, US, France 2022, 123 min, Director: Florian Zeller
Writer-director Florian Zeller returns with an adaptation of the second play in his family trilogy, which — like his 2020 Oscar®-winning film The Father (MVFF43) —examines the seismic effect of sickness on everyone involved. Peter (Hugh Jackman) is settling into life with wife Beth (Vanessa Kirby) and their beautiful baby boy. In contrast, Nicholas (Zen McGrath), his teen son from his previous marriage, isn’t doing so well; according to Peter’s ex, Kate (Laura Dern), he’s extremely moody and angry. Without realizing the extent of Nicholas’ issues, Peter and Beth invite him into their home, hoping a new environment will improve his mindset. Anchored by an incredible performance from Jackman, Zeller’s portrait of a parental nightmare never exploits the subject of mental illness. —David Fear