Movies

His Three Daughters Is a Lived-In Tale of Sisterhood, Grief, and Grace

BBG News

As a seasoned moviegoer who has witnessed countless tales of family dynamics unfold on the silver screen, I must say that “His Three Daughters” is a poignant and captivating narrative that resonates deeply with my own experiences. The delicate dance between love, loss, and the complexities of familial bonds is expertly woven into this story by writer-director Azazel Jacobs.

Death can both tear family members apart and bind them closer—often simultaneously. That’s the mysterious dynamic writer-director Azazel Jacobs mines in His Three Daughters, a story of three mismatched sisters who gather in their childhood home, a modest, rent-controlled Manhattan apartment, to usher their dying father into the whatever-it-is-that-comes-next. The eldest, bossy, uptight Katie (Carrie Coon), feels the need to steer the ship, as everyone else seems incapable; she’s particularly obsessed with a “Do not resuscitate” form that her father was supposed to have signed when he was still cogent. Christina (Elizabeth Olsen) has left her family, thousands of miles away, to join her sisters in this emotionally rattling endeavor. A onetime Deadhead and yoga nut, she seems to be the calmest of the lot, though her quietude barely masks her annoying self-absorption.

Among them is Rachel (Natasha Lyonne), who’s been residing in the apartment and caring for her father. However, Katie believes Rachel hasn’t been doing an effective job in this regard, as she was tasked with handling his DNR form. Katie and Christina, with their traditional mindsets and maternal instincts, have encroached upon Rachel’s personal space and disrupted her lifestyle. Katie scolds Rachel for her early morning marijuana use and questions her sports betting habits. What makes matters worse is that Rachel isn’t biologically related to Katie and Christina. They lost their mother at a young age, and their father remarried, accepting his new wife’s daughter as his own. Despite their differences, they are bound together by one man – their father, who loved each of them uniquely. This bond is stronger than blood, though these women haven’t fully grasped that truth yet.

As a movie critic, I found myself deeply moved by “His Three Daughters,” directed by the talented Jacobs, whose previous works include “French Exit” and “Momma’s Man.” This film presents three captivating, insightful actors with rich, relatable roles, and Jacobs masterfully steps back to let their authentic performances shine.

As a devoted admirer, I find echoes of Chekhov and Shakespeare in “His Three Daughters”. These literary giants certainly had insights into the complexities and enduring bonds of sisterhood. Yet, what truly sets this tale apart is its conclusion – tranquil yet far from definitive, it provides each character with a thoughtful way forward. The passing of a parent, though heart-wrenching, often presents an opportunity. However, navigating that opportunity can be challenging, and sometimes a guiding hand is needed.

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2024-09-06 16:08

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