The Father

Through technical composure alone, this film sucks you into the heartbreaking world of dementia and its effects. Contradictions and confusion overwhelm you as you slowly piece together a coherent narrative. Once you’ve figured it out, it’s all the more devastating, as a film with this subject matter should be. Anthony Hopkins delivers one of the most tragically pragmatic performances of his career, with Olivia Colman acting strongly opposite him. The cinematography uses visual repetition and confined framing to emphasize tension and emotional weight. The score is used sparingly but greatly deepens the atmosphere. There are no embellishments, the script is lean, utterly affective, and unprecedented. 95/100