The Son (2022 film)

The Son

Company type	Film
Industry	Motion picture
Founded	2022
Founder	Florian Zeller, Christopher Hampton (writers)
Key people	Florian Zeller (director), Hugh Jackman, Laura Dern, Vanessa Kirby, Anthony Hopkins (cast)
Products	Drama film
Parent	Sony Pictures Classics (distributor)

The Son is a drama film from 2022, directed by Florian Zeller and co-written with Christopher Hampton, adapted from Zeller's 2018 theatrical play. The ensemble cast features Hugh Jackman, Laura Dern, Vanessa Kirby, Zen McGrath, Hugh Quarshie, and Anthony Hopkins.

The movie had its world premiere at the 79th Venice International Film Festival on September 7, 2022. It was subsequently released in select theaters in New York City and Los Angeles on November 25, 2022, before expanding nationwide across the United States on January 20, 2023, under the distribution of Sony Pictures Classics. While critical opinions were mixed, Jackman’s portrayal received significant acclaim, earning him nominations for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama at both the 80th Golden Globe Awards and the 27th Satellite Awards.

Plot

Peter Miller, who has recently remarried to Beth and is caring for their infant child, faces concerns raised by his former wife Kate regarding their teenage son Nicholas. At 17 years old, Nicholas is battling depression and has withdrawn from school. Although Peter has limited contact with Nicholas, he consents to take him into his home. Peter is also dealing with a strained dynamic with his own father, Anthony, yet aspires to improve his role as a parent.

Despite his attempts to build a relationship with Nicholas, Peter initially refuses to acknowledge how his past affair may have affected his son’s wellbeing. After Nicholas suffers a suicide attempt that results in hospitalization, Peter begins to recognize his responsibilities. When Nicholas returns home appearing more optimistic, tragedy strikes as he ultimately ends his life. Years later, Peter continues to grapple with grief and regret over Nicholas’s death, finding solace with Beth’s support.

Cast

• Hugh Jackman as Peter Miller
• Laura Dern portraying Kate Miller, Peter’s former spouse
• Vanessa Kirby as Beth, Peter’s current wife
• Zen McGrath in the role of Nicholas Miller, Peter's distant son facing depression
  • George Cobell as young Nicholas Miller
• Hugh Quarshie playing Dr. Harris, therapist to Nicholas
• Anthony Hopkins as Anthony Miller, father of Peter and grandfather to Nicholas
• Gretchen Egolf as Emergency Room Psychiatrist

Production

Following the success of The Father, director and writer Florian Zeller revealed plans to adapt his play The Son into a film. Casting announcements came in April 2021 with Hugh Jackman and Laura Dern, followed by Vanessa Kirby joining in June. Filming commenced in August 2021 and wrapped up by October of the same year. The cast also includes Zen McGrath and Anthony Hopkins, who reunited with Zeller after his Academy Award-winning performance in The Father.

Release

In July 2021, distribution rights for the United States, Southeast Asia, China, India, Eastern Europe, and Turkey were acquired by Sony Pictures Classics. Meanwhile, STX Entertainment obtained rights for the United Kingdom, Benelux countries, Italy, Scandinavia, and Iceland. Despite STX closing its London branch, it proceeded with releasing the film in these markets alongside co-distributor Black Bear Pictures in the UK.

The film competed at the 79th Venice International Film Festival, premiering on September 7, 2022. Its North American premiere took place at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival on September 12, followed by a screening at the 2022 AFI Fest on November 5. Originally slated for a limited U.S. release on November 11, 2022 with plans for expansion thereafter, the date was postponed first to November 25 and then adjusted to a one-week limited run in New York City and Los Angeles before opening nationwide on January 20, 2023. In France, the release was moved up from March 8 to March 1, 2023.

Reception

The film has garnered a 28% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from a total of 183 critiques, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 10. The summary consensus highlights: "Although Laura Dern and Hugh Jackman deliver commendable performances, The Son is burdened by heavy-handed melodramatic elements." On Metacritic, the movie received a weighted average score of 45 out of 100 from 46 reviewers, reflecting "mixed or average" critical responses.

Accolades

Award	Ceremony Date	Category	Nominee	Outcome	Template:Refh
AACTA International Awards	24 February 2023	Best Lead Actor	Hugh Jackman	Template:Nom
Golden Globe Awards	10 January 2023	Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama		Template:Nom
Satellite Awards	3 March 2023	Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama		Template:Nom
Venice International Film Festival	31 August–10 September 2022	Golden Lion	Florian Zeller	Template:Nom