
Actor Hugh Jackman (“The Greatest Showman”) earned critical acclaim at the premiere of his new film, “The Son”, at the Venice Film Festival. Enthusiastic comments point out that this could be the actor’s “Oscar movie”.
In addition to him, Laura Dern (“Jurassic World: Dominion”) was also highly revered after the film session, with cast and director Florian Zeller giving a 10-minute standing ovation from the audience. Visibly moved, Jackman hugged young Zen McGrath (“Marks of the Past”), who plays his son, with ovations. The film, which chronicles a heartbreaking family tragedy, also generated audible gasps to viewers during a certain dramatic scene.
The actor himself seems to have realized the possibility of an Oscar when he read the script, saying it was “a feeling like fire in the stomach, it was a compulsion,” he said, during the press conference on Wednesday (7/9) . “A feeling you rarely get as an actor: this role is for you and you should play it.”
The plot of the film revolves around Peter, a boy who lives a busy life with his new partner and their baby. But his routine is shaken by the arrival of his ex-wife with her teenage son, Nicholas. The young man is upset, distant and angry, missing from school for months. As Peter struggles to be a better father, trying to help his son, the weight of Nicholas’ condition puts the family on a perilous course.
According to Variety critic Clayton Davis, “What makes his performance even more impressive is that for most of ‘The Son’ Jackman is meticulously reserved, internalizing the frustration of a man looking for a quick fix to the deep problems of your son’s mental health. “
Jackman pointed out that his work on the film was so profound that it changed the way he views his own authorship. “For many, many years as a parent, my job was to look strong and trustworthy, and never seem worried, because I didn’t want to overwhelm my kids,” he said. “But since I starred in this movie I have changed my approach. I share my vulnerabilities more with my 17 and 22 year olds and I see their relief when I do.”
The relationship between father and son is no stranger to director Florian Zeller, responsible for the drama “My Father” (2020), which won the Oscar for Best Actor for Anthony Hopkins. “We all share the same dilemma,” Zeller said. “It’s so hard to make the right decision as a parent. In this situation, they make the wrong decision thinking they can fix everything on their own. But there’s a time when it’s okay to accept the fact that you are helpless.”
According to Jackman, “the film really shows how people isolate themselves, especially when it comes to mental health issues. There is a sin, there is a sense of guilt, there is an intense desire to fix things. To understand and empathize with the people around you. around, put yourself in their shoes and be honest. I hope the film starts the dialogue, I hope the film reminds us to never worry alone. “
The cast also includes Vanessa Kirby (“Pieces of a Woman”) and Anthony Hopkins, who reprises “My Father” collaboration with the French director.
Interestingly, the character of Hopkins was created specifically for him in the film as he did not exist in the play script. The father and son films form a trilogy written by Zeller for the theater. The third title is called “The Mother”, which does not yet have a film adaptation planned.
“After our journey into ‘My Father’, I couldn’t make another movie without Anthony,” the director previously said, explaining the inclusion of a grandfather in his story.
After moving to Venice, “The Son” will premiere in North America on Monday (9/12) at the Toronto Film Festival, before being released on November 11 in the United States. There is no release date for Brazil yet.
See below an excerpt of the audience reaction and Jackman’s emotion at the premiere.
#Son receives an emotional 10-minute standing ovation to his #VeniceFilmFestival World premiere. pic.twitter.com/pnae0HVWOr
– Sony Pictures Classics (@sonyclassics) September 7, 2022
Source: Terra

Emily Jhon is a product and service reviewer at Gossipify, known for her honest evaluations and thorough analysis. With a background in marketing and consumer research, she offers valuable insights to readers. She has been writing for Gossipify for several years and has a degree in Marketing and Consumer Research from the University of Oxford.