“The Son” is a powerful and moving film that is sure to stay with you long after you have seen it. Directed by Florian Zeller and starring Hugh Jackman, Laura Dern, Vanessa Kirby, and Zen McGrath. The film follows the story of Peter Miller (Jackman), a man who is trying to balance his new life with his second wife, Beth (Kirby), and their newborn son, with his troubled relationship with his teenage son, Nicholas (McGrath). When Nicholas suddenly shows up at Peter’s doorstep, Peter is forced to confront his past and the choices he has made.
The film has been praised for its performances, particularly those of Jackman and McGrath. Jackman gives a nuanced and powerful performance as a man who is struggling to be a good father while also dealing with his own demons. McGrath is also excellent as Nicholas, a complex and troubled young man who is struggling to find his place in the world. If you are looking for a powerful and moving films like “The Son,” here’s a list of movies like “The Son” that will capture your heart.
1. The Father (2020)
Touching film “The Father” is directed by Florian Zeller, based on his own play “Le Père”. The film stars Anthony Hopkins in the lead role of Anthony, an aging man struggling with dementia, who is living with his daughter Anne (played by Olivia Colman) and her husband Paul (played by Rufus Sewell).
It explores the confusion and anxiety that comes with dementia, as we see Anthony’s reality become increasingly unreliable and fragmented. Hopkins delivers a masterful performance, capturing the vulnerability and fear of the character as he struggles to hold onto his memories and sense of self. Colman is also excellent, portraying the difficult and heartbreaking task of caring for a loved one with dementia.
One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the way in which it plays with narrative structure, using subtle changes in setting and character to create a sense of disorientation and uncertainty. The result is a deeply affecting portrayal of the impact of dementia on both the person living with it and those around them.
2. La Vraie Famille (2021)
La Vraie Famille (The Family) is a 2021 French drama film directed by Fabien Gorgeart. The film stars Mélanie Thierry as Anna, a woman who has been raising Simon, a 6-year-old boy, since he was 18 months old. Simon’s biological father, Paul, played by Sergi López, suddenly reappears and wants to get custody of his son. Anna is devastated and must decide whether to let Simon go.
The film explores the complex issue of adoption and the emotional bonds that can form between adoptive parents and children. It is a sensitive and moving film that will stay with you long after you have seen it. Fabien Gorgeart directs the film with sensitivity and intelligence. He creates a film that is both emotionally resonant and visually stunning.
3. Tout s’est bien passé (2021)
French drama film “Tout s’est bien passé” is a beautifully made and acted film that explores a difficult subject with sensitivity and nuance. Directed by François Ozon and written by Ozon and Emmanuèle Bernheim. The film stars Sophie Marceau, André Dussollier, and Géraldine Pailhas.
The film tells the story of Manue (Marceau), a successful writer who is asked by her father André (Dussollier) to help him end his life. André has recently suffered a stroke and is now in a wheelchair, and he feels that he has lived long enough. Manue is initially reluctant to help her father, but she eventually agrees.
It explores the complex ethical and emotional issues surrounding assisted suicide. Manue is torn between her love for her father and her belief that it is wrong to help him die. She also has to deal with the guilt and the judgment of others.
4. C’mon C’mon (2021)
Directed by Mike Mills, the story follows Johnny (Joaquin Phoenix), a radio journalist who takes his young nephew Jesse (Woody Norman) on a road trip across the United States.
Through their conversations and interactions with various strangers they meet on the road, Johnny and Jesse explore themes of family, love, and the struggles of modern life. Along the way, Johnny interviews children for a project he is working on about the future of humanity. “C’mon C’mon” is beautifully shot, with stunning scenes of natural landscapes and intimate moments between the characters. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a powerful performance, capturing both the joy and pain of being a caregiver to a child. Woody Norman shines as Jesse, bringing a youthful energy and innocence to the role.
5. The Judge (2014)
American film “The Judge” is directed by David Dobkin and the plot follows a successful lawyer named Hank Palmer, who returns to his hometown in Indiana to attend his mother’s funeral. While there, he discovers that his estranged father, Judge Joseph Palmer, is facing a murder charge.
As Hank works to defend his father in court, he must also confront the unresolved issues from his past and reconcile with his family. Along the way, he learns more about the circumstances surrounding his mother’s death and comes to understand his father’s complicated legacy.
“The Judge” is a powerful and moving drama that explores the complexities of family relationships and the search for truth and justice. The film’s talented cast delivers strong performances, and David Dobkin’s direction is deft and nuanced.
6. Gifted (2017)
Directed by Marc Webb and starring Chris Evans, Mckenna Grace, and Octavia Spencer. The movie tells the story of a young girl named Mary Adler (Mckenna Grace), who is a mathematical prodigy being raised by her uncle Frank (Chris Evans) after her mother’s death. Frank wants Mary to have a normal childhood, but her unique abilities attract the attention of her grandmother Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan), who envisions a future for Mary as a world-changing mathematician. As tensions rise between Frank and Evelyn over Mary’s future, their family secrets are revealed and they are forced to confront their past traumas.
Director Marc Webb skillfully balances the emotional weight of the story with moments of lightness, creating a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The themes of family, ambition, and the ethical implications of scientific discovery are woven throughout the movie, leaving viewers with much to ponder.
7. Manchester by the Sea (2016)
“Manchester by the Sea” received critical acclaim and was nominated for several awards, including Best Picture and Best Director at the Academy Awards. Casey Affleck won the Best Actor Oscar for his performance in the film. The film’s narrative structure, which jumps back and forth in time, adds depth and complexity to the story. The flashbacks provide insight into Lee’s past and the events that led to his current state of mind. The film also explores themes of grief, guilt, and forgiveness in a nuanced and sensitive way.
Directed by Kenneth Lonergan, the plot follows Lee Chandler, a man who returns to his hometown of Manchester-by-the-Sea after the death of his brother, Joe. Lee is forced to confront his past and cope with the aftermath of the tragedy. Casey Affleck delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Lee Chandler. He portrays the character’s pain and emotional numbness with subtlety and restraint. Michelle Williams also delivers a moving performance as Lee’s ex-wife, Randi. Their scenes together are some of the most emotionally charged in the film.
Lucas Hedges also shines as Joe’s teenage son, Patrick. He brings a sense of humor and vulnerability to the character, and his interactions with Lee provide some of the film’s most poignant moments. The supporting cast, including Kyle Chandler and Gretchen Mol, also give strong performances.
8. Wonder (2017)
“Wonder” is directed by Stephen Chbosky, based on the bestselling novel of the same name by R.J. Palacio, the movie tells the story of a young boy named August “Auggie” Pullman (Jacob Tremblay), who has a facial deformity and starts attending a mainstream school for the first time in fifth grade. As Auggie embarks on this new journey, he faces bullying and isolation from his peers, but also forms unexpected friendships with other students. The movie also explores the perspectives of Auggie’s family members and how they deal with the challenges that come with loving and supporting a child who is different.
Jacob Tremblay delivers an outstanding performance, capturing both the pain and resilience of Auggie’s character. Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson play Auggie’s parents with depth and authenticity, adding to the emotional weight of the storyline.
Director Stephen Chbosky masterfully navigates the balance between lighthearted moments of childhood and the harsher realities of societal judgement and prejudice. The movie offers a powerful message for children and adults alike, encouraging viewers to look beyond appearances and treat others with compassion and understanding.
9. Beautiful Boy (2018)
“Beautiful Boy” is irected by Felix Van Groeningen and starring Steve Carell and Timothée Chalamet. Based on the memoirs of David and Nic Sheff, a father and son who struggle with Nic’s addiction to drugs. The story follows David (Carell), a journalist and loving father who tries desperately to save his son Nic (Chalamet) from the clutches of addiction. Despite Nic’s attempts to get clean, he relapses multiple times and David begins to feel helpless. The film explores the devastating effects of addiction on both the addict and their loved ones, showcasing the heart-wrenching cycle of recovery and relapse.
Both Carell and Chalamet deliver powerful and nuanced performances in “Beautiful Boy”. Carell showcases a side of his acting range that we don’t often see, portraying the vulnerability and helplessness of a father desperate to save his son. Chalamet, on the other hand, brings a raw intensity to the role of Nic, perfectly capturing the pain and desperation of a young man struggling with addiction.
What sets “Beautiful Boy” apart is its willingness to explore addiction from all angles. The film not only shows the addiction and recovery process from Nic’s perspective, but also from David’s, highlighting the challenges of being a parent to an addict and navigating the system.
10. Rabbit Hole (2010)
The 2010 film “Rabbit Hole” is a touching and raw drama directed by John Cameron Mitchell. It tells the story of a couple’s grief after the death of their young son and their struggle to find meaning and solace in the aftermath. The film stars Nicole Kidman as Becca Corbett, the mother, and Aaron Eckhart as Howie Corbett, the father. Both actors delivered standout performances that perfectly captured the nuances of their characters’ emotional journeys.
It explores the various ways that people cope with grief and how it can affect relationships. We see Becca and Howie struggling to communicate with each other and finding comfort in unexpected places, such as a support group and an unlikely friendship with a teenager named Jason.