The Father’s Mind-bending Journey into Dementia (Starring Anthony Hopkins)

The Father (2020) directed by Florian Zeller starring award-winning Anthony Hopkins, Olivia Colman, Mark Gatis, and many more is a psychological drama film among the fan-favorite films that came out during the COVID lockdown.

The Father, as written by Christopher Hampton follows the story of an aging father, Anthony played by Anthony Hopkins suffering from mental illness, probably Dementia or Alzheimer who refuses all assistance from his daughter, Anne. He forgets where he is, mistakes his daughter for someone else, and loses touch with reality.

Many people are blown away by this film at first glance, applauding not just the performances but the presentation in general. The Father is said to be Anthony Hopkin’s best performance of its kind since Silence of the Lambs. He brings a great deal of nuance and complexity to the role of Anthony, the father and he makes the character feel both relatable and heartbreaking.

What makes this film so unique is that the story is told entirely from the father’s perspective, his confusion and disorientation is the reality of this film. His daughter, Anne wonderfully played by Olivia Colman is at times replaced by a different actress meaning you’ve to pay attention in order to fully follow up with the film as it jumps around in time and perspective. Unlike many other films of this kind, The Father is more focused on making the viewer comprehend what having something like Dementia or Alzheimer’s feels like.

The film is beautifully shot and directed. The use of space and lighting is particularly effective in creating a sense of unease and disorientation.

Most of the films on people with mental illnesses, Dementia or Alzheimer are usually set on the people who are trying to help that person and you’re an outside viewer of what’s happening around the patient or character but this movie, the Father, will make you feel like you’re in a dreamland because you’ll be inside the main character’s head, making it easier to perceive and enjoy the story.

All being said, The Father is a powerful and moving film that is sure to stay with you long after you watch it. It is a film that is both challenging and rewarding, and it is a film that everyone should see. Find some time and check out The Father 2020 in case you haven’t watched it.