The Father (2020)

Plot of the Father: An old guy, Anthony, seemingly comfortable in his London flat is vested by his daughter Anne, who is concerned because he has dismissed a carer, who he has accused of stealing his watch. Anne tells him that she is moving to Paris with a new lover. Later he goes to his sitting room and finds a man there who says he is his daughter’s husband, and that Anthony is living with them in their flat. Anne returns but it is not the same person. They get a new carer Laura who seems to get on with Anthony, who tells him that she is sorry to learn about Lucy’s accident. Lucy is one of his daughters but he has no recollection of her death. It becomes apparent that Anthony is actually living with, Anne, his daughter and Paul, her husband, or maybe, since some scenes seem to be being repeated. Paul and Anne argue about Anthony and his requirements and one of the versions of Anne’s husband slaps Anthony. It cannot end well.

Content: No sex or nudity, but quite a bit of wine drinking. Anthony is constantly confronted by challenging situations. Those closest to him appear to be different people, and he becomes uncertain about where he is. We, the viewers, are also pretty uncertain about what is happening. His view is our view. There is some clarity in the end.

A View: While I admired the film for its presentation I did find myself wondering if that is really how our minds will work when we become aged and demented. I have a bit of experience and feel that at least in some cases those with some forms of dementia retain familiarity with their surroundings, but become uncertain when they are changed, and also are able to recognise those closest to them, although less important people become interchangeable. If I followed the plot correctly, Anthony failed to do this. Of course I might have been equally confused. But a watch if you want to be both distressed and depressed.

Fun Fact: Sir Anthony Hopkins, as Anthony, was the oldest actor ever to win Best Actor at the Oscars.