Review: Anticipating loss, sisters rub against old frictions in superb ‘His Three Daughters’

As a seasoned cinema devotee who has weathered the storm of countless family dramas, I must say that “His Three Daughters” stands out as one of the most poignant and authentic portrayals of familial discord and reconciliation I’ve ever seen. The claustrophobic setting of a cramped New York apartment only serves to amplify the raw emotions and complex dynamics at play, creating an atmosphere that is both suffocating and electrifying.

In a small New York apartment, where two adult sisters on the verge of drifting apart wait for their father’s final moments, “His Three Daughters,” written and directed by Azazel Jacobs, is not a comedy. Instead, it subtly carries a dose of poignant humor amidst its slow, somber pace. This intimate indie film, one of the year’s standouts, powerfully demonstrates that there’s no simple way to prepare for loss, particularly when chaos and dysfunction are the norm.

You won’t want to miss this acting masterclass, especially with Carrie Coon, Elizabeth Olsen, and Natasha Lyonne on board. Each actress delivers an outstanding performance that is arguably their best work yet. Whether they perform individually or together, they bring to life a compelling story about familial strife in a way that Jacobs, known for his ability to evoke uncomfortable empathy in films like “Terri” and “The Lovers,” does exceptionally well, rarely missing the mark.

In this chamber trio, the saxophone’s honking sound represents the eldest sister Katie, who is portrayed as a restless, dominating mother with a troubled adolescent child (only referred to). Despite her father’s deteriorating health (Jay O. Sanders), she maintains a sharp, critical commentary on what’s wrong and always irritating, while also trying to deflect blame but ultimately shouldering the burden herself.

Despite having a prickly nature, she maintains a friendly relationship with Christina (Olsen), who is part of the ensemble and plays the sorrowful woodwind instrument. Interestingly, Christina resides on the West Coast, but her laid-back, forgiving demeanor gives off an aura of appreciating motherhood as a blessing, making her seem least involved in the escalating conflicts. Most of Katie’s negative emotions are focused on their stoner stepsister, Rachel (Lyonne), who plays the violin and is cautious by nature, and Dad’s daughter from his second marriage.

I view Rachel as more of a passive individual, seemingly content to wait for an opportunity to claim the apartment, despite her previous role as a live-in caregiver before things took a turn. However, if pushed too far, Rachel can retaliate, and Lyonne’s sharp, biting tone never fails to entertain. She prefers to retreat into her room, smoking away her sorrow and managing her sports wagers, rather than act as the obedient sister or daughter in a manner that satisfies Katie’s judgmental nature or Christina’s diplomatic sensibilities.

In this convincing, relatable setting, each character seems so uniquely vulnerable, yet robust at the same time – quite an impressive ensemble. It appears that all Jacobs needs to do is bring out what’s already there. Yet, we can feel a healing, intimate connection lurking nearby, if only the right alignment can be achieved. The faint glimmers of hope create a comforting background melody.

Although “His Three Daughters” only has a single interior setting, this captivating production by Sam Levy (cinematography) and Jacobs (editing) never gives the impression of being a filmed stage play. Instead, it immerses us in its narrative, making us sense the lingering tension between the past and present within these humble, well-lived spaces. The tension of anticipation is skillfully communicated in every frame, whether it features one, two, or all three of its outstanding leads.

As the time for reconciliation approaches, Jacobs unveils an unexpected move, taking a daring, slightly imaginative turn that hints at an earlier tale shared by Christina about their father’s feelings towards death. This sudden twist seems unlikely to succeed, but through skillful writing, it manages to resonate warmly and gracefully within the portrait of some challenging, stormy days.

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2024-09-07 14:01