Hugh Jackman grips and compels in The Son, the new drama that recently screened in advance for Cineworld Unlimited members. Writer-director Florian Zeller stages his follow-up to the acclaimed The Father, and that movie's Oscar-winner Anthony Hopkins makes a memorable appearance here.
Jackman plays Peter who, many years earlier, divorced his wife Kate (Oscar winner Laura Dern) and effectively turned his back on his own child. Peter now lives with a new partner, Beth (Oscar nominee Vanessa Kirby), and their newborn baby. However, Kate then turns up on Peter's doorstep expressing concern that their now-teenage son Nicholas (Zen McGrath) is flunking school and showing signs of emotional trauma.
Things only intensify when Nicholas moves in with Peter and struggles to communicate his inner anguish. What then unfolds is a multigenerational story of reckoning as Peter comes to terms with his own failings as a parent and partner. Hopkins turns up as Peter's own father, dishing out some cutting and dyspeptic advice that shakes Peter's world to its core.
Primarily, the movie is a sober story about the fragility of mental health and the importance of clear communication in a world that doesn't appear to be listening. Evidently, it's topical, serious-minded material and we wanted to hear from Unlimited audiences as to their reactions.
cut too close to home for me, Nicholas' difficulty articulating his feelings, and his parents' difficulty trying to relate. felt stagier than The Father, but still very impactful and beautiful. not sure i could watch it again, but glad i was able to see it.
— ObiMoo 💗💛💙 (@_ObiMoo) February 16, 2023
One of the most interesting things about the film is just how divisive it is. I still don’t fully know what I think of it. Most importantly It did have an impact and I’ll be thinking about it for a couple more days as will most people when they watch it. Hugh Jackman is great! pic.twitter.com/j7uk7zATTt
— Nathan (@NathanBDViews) February 16, 2023
I honestly don’t know what movie critics are talking about hating on it. It was awesome. Hands down one of the best films of the year so far. Hugh Jackman, Vanessa Kirby, Laura Dern and Zen McGrath killed it. The story was so good. Should have got some Oscar buzz this year.
— Jake Pile (@Jakehastopee) February 16, 2023
Conflicted with how tone deaf it treated it’s mental health theme. Great performance by Hugh Jackman and Laura Dern, but it rarely considered the Son’s point of view, just that he suffered with no-one able to listen properly.
— Weslar (@WesleyJones_) February 16, 2023
Hard work, but brilliant acting, particularly from Dern and Kirby (against them, I'm afraid, even though this is a great performance by Jackman he LOOKS like he's acting). Also Anthony Hopkins in his 5 minute cameo is twinkly brilliance. Surprised this didn't get more Oscar buzz.
— One Mann's Movies (@OneMannsMovies) February 16, 2023
It was definitely a hard story & I felt that Nicholas was a stereotyped depressed/suicidal person but Peter/Kate/Beth just couldn’t see it which was frustrating. I agree with some that the ending was predictable. I don’t regret watching it, but won’t be back for a 2nd viewing.
— Katie Samuel (@KatieSamuel) February 16, 2023
A lot of things to take from the film but also, watching through the eyes of someone who has experienced psych wards and mental health struggles it was very close to home as to how it can impact everyone and not something that can be cured instantly, people need to talk
— Chelsea Spencer (@Chelsea24968342) February 16, 2023
Were you at last night's screening of The Son? If so, we'd love to see your reactions @Cineworld and via the hashtag #CineworldUnlimited. If you missed the preview, the movie is now on release at Cineworld.
Have you joined Cineworld Unlimited yet? Now is the perfect time to capitalise on the exciting advance screenings, special offers, discounts and a lot more, all from £10.99 a month.
Watch the following video to find out more and then click here to join Unlimited.