Father Mother Sister Brother, 2025.
Directed by Jim Jarmusch.
Starring Adam Driver, Tom Waits, Mayim Bialik, Charlotte Rampling, Cate Blanchett, Vicky Krieps, Sarah Greene, Indya Moore and Luka Sabbat.
SYNOPSIS:
Estranged siblings reunite after years apart, forced to confront unresolved tensions and reevaluate their strained relationships with their emotionally distant parents.
Jim Jarmusch has been a key figure in independent cinema since the 1980s, responsible for cult films like Ghost Dog: Way of The Samurai, Down By Law, Night on Earth and Paterson. His latest Father Mother Sister Brother is a triptych following three familial stories that while not connected, do bear surprising similarities, and sees him reunite with Paterson lead Adam Driver for the first of the three storylines.
The first storyline sees siblings Jeff and Emily visiting their ailing father played by Tom Waits. There is clearly somewhat of a frosty relationship with the pair not having kept in regular contact with their father, concerned for his wellbeing. Waits is a treat playing the father as a grouchy figure but one who has plenty of wit behind his ageing years. There is a wonderful awkwardness that Jarmusch brings, especially across the first two stories, something many will recognise from familial interactions, especially with ageing relatives.
The second two segments take us overseas, to Dublin, where a trio almost feel like they aren’t related. Charlotte Rampling plays Mother, a successful author who has little to do with her daughters, save one afternoon tea a year. Vicky Krieps is wonderful as the eccentric Lilith, someone who craves attention, while her sister Timothea is more buttoned up and calm.
The final story moves us to Paris where twins Skye and Billy are packing up their parents’ old apartment. It’s probably the slightest of the three but still has its charms.
Jarmusch isn’t doing anything new here and those less familiar with his work may find the slow, meditative tone harder to engage with. Long-term fans will likely be more on board with his wavelength. The performances help keep us engaged with Waits, Krieps and Rampling, particularly impressive. Jarmusch intercuts little nods and pieces of dialogue that show the parallels the stories have, despite generational and regional differences in some cases. There is a lightness of touch to it and a gentle humour, the middle story particularly funny.
Father Mother Sister Brother isn’t doing anything Jarmusch hasn’t done before, but it has its share of quirky charm. The performances, as you’d expect from a cast this stacked, keep us hooked while the eclectic locations and visuals make each section feel distinct.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★
Chris Connor
