Just at the right time when the Ugandan audience on X-Twitter is engrossed in the Father-Son-Mother debate, coupled with the family—deadbeat father-baby mama—discourse that has dominated conversations on the platform, I found myself watching a movie exploring similar themes.
The Son (2022), directed by Florian Zeller, is a subsequent release to his Academy Awards-winning thriller-drama The Father—half the reason it caught my attention.
Following the story of Peter (played by Hugh Jackman), a busy family man whose ex-wife Kate (Laura Dern) informs him about the troubling condition of their teenage son, Nicholas (Zen McGrath). The Son is a family drama movie that balances the perspectives of both the misunderstood depressed son and his parents.
This isn’t a movie for casual viewing; it resonates deeply, likely intended for a select audience.
The narrative explores themes of depression, suicidal thoughts, and the struggles of parenting a troubled child. At its core, the story reflects the consequences of decisions made with or without forethought—a poignant topic for newly married couples with children. “The Son,” much like “The Father,” focuses on raw, real-life events, telling its story in a way that feels relatable from multiple perspectives.
The movie embraces moments of silence, complemented by subtle background music, to heighten the suspense and emotional weight of the film. While much of the focus is on Nicholas, the film masterfully balances the narrative between the perspectives of the parents. Well-shot scenes linger on the main characters—Peter, Kate, and Nicholas—lost in thought, underscoring their struggles. In one of those scenes, Nicholas is in a classroom as the teacher’s voice fades into the background, symbolizing Nicholas’ disengagement.
Zen McGrath as the depressed son delivers a compelling portrayal of a troubled teenager. His edgy lines like “When you met Dad, did you know he was married?” punctuate the tension in his performance. His interactions with Beth (Vanessa Kirby), Peter’s new wife and the mother of a newborn, add layers of complexity to the narrative, ranging from joyful, humorous moments to worrying, even frightening ones.
The Son underscores the necessity of resilience, particularly for those who rely on us, as it explores parental responsibilities. Supporting characters such as Anthony Hopkins, who portrays Peter’s father and Nicholas’ grandfather, shine in brief but impactful scenes. These scenes provide a deeper insight into Peter’s troubled upbringing, deepening the viewer’s understanding of his character. Notably, the film hints at a parallel between Peter’s relationship with his father and his own relationship with Nicholas. This is subtly conveyed in a scene where Peter considers calling his father but ultimately changes his mind… spoilers!
Scenes where Nicholas pours out or physically harms himself are truly painful, further emphasizing the gravity of his struggles. The movie drives home the message that parents bear ultimate responsibility for their child’s well-being, no matter how difficult it may be.
“In these circumstances, love isn’t enough…”—my favorite line in the film—powerfully highlights how parental love can sometimes cloud judgment.
So, is The Son worth watching? Absolutely. It’s a powerful film—painful and suspenseful—that leaves a lasting impression on teenagers, parents, and those of us who are, by God’s grace, about to become parents
If you’ve already watched The Son and are looking for films that explore similar themes, here are some I’ve watched over the years.
Boyhood (2014) starring Ellar Coltrane, Ethan Hawke, and Patricia Arquette
Ad Astra (2019) starring Brad Pitt
The Tender Bar (2021) starring Ben Affleck, Daniel Ranieri…
