Oscar winner Florian Zeller’s “The Son” is about depression and parenthood – topics that lead actors Hugh Jackman and Laura Dern also deal with privately. The film premieres in Venice.
Venice – With their new film “The Son”, the acting stars Hugh Jackman and Laura Dern stirred the audience at the Venice Film Festival. Florian Zeller’s drama premiered on Wednesday evening.
The Son tells the story of a family trying to deal with depression. It centers on Peter (Jackman), whose life spirals out of control when his ex-wife Kate (Laura Dern) tells him about the serious problems of their son Nicholas (Zen McGrath). Peter tries to help his son while navigating his busy job and life with his new wife (Vanessa Kirby) and baby.
From French director Zeller, who won an Academy Award for The Father’s adapted screenplay, the film is memorable for emotional performances by Jackman, McGrath, Dern and Kirby. Anthony Hopkins also plays. But not in the leading role like in “The Father”.
It starts with Nicholas not going to school anymore. His parents try to find out what’s wrong with him – but the teenager can’t explain it. “I don’t know how to describe it,” he says once. Or: “I can’t deal with living.” This in turn drives his parents to despair, who try to help their son – but don’t know how.
Jackman: Explore vulnerability through role
Mental health and parenting are issues that both Jackman and Dern engage in privately. Both have two children. “One of the reasons I wanted to take on this role was to explore the vulnerability that we all have as parents,” Jackman said in the interview.
For himself, therapy helped him understand his past and how it subconsciously affects his thoughts, Jackman said. “I retraced some of the patterns I unconsciously repeated. And most importantly, it has helped me to be more involved with the people in my life that I love.”
The film explores the powerlessness of parenting, Dern said. “Or the powerlessness to love yourself. It’s heartbreaking when we realize – and we all feel the same way – that we can’t save or control a loved one.”
