The Father

Here is another intense movie up for a few Academy Awards. “The Father” is a serious and disquieting movie. Outstanding performances from Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman (both previous Oscar winners) give this movie a prestigious and rather regal look. The story takes place mainly in the mind of Hopkins, who plays a man in the final stages of dementia. He lives with his daughter (Olivia Colman). Or does he? You will be just as confused as Hopkin’s character is as you watch him try to figure out what is going on in his life. Both actors give heartbreaking tour-de-force performances which deservedly have garnered them award nominations. The performers, as well as the writer and director, do an outstanding job of bringing us into this world as active observers. You will really empathize with the characters as they struggle to find their way through the illusions and confusions many have faced, and will deal with in the course of aging. It will really make you think about this aspect of what many families must deal with while facing the end of life. If you want to see two acting greats at the top of their game, this is a movie not to miss.