LIFE & CULTURE

Vanessa Kirby, Hugh Jackman And Laura Dern Are One, Big Dysfunctional Family In ‘The Son’

The film is linked to Academy Award-winning film, 'The Father'

For those familiar with the award season circuit, then the winners of this year’s Academy Awards are surely fresh in one’s mind.

And while many are still reeling over the late Chadwick Boseman’s controversial snub for Best Actor, the category’s winner, Anthony Hopkins was an impressive alternate choice, thanks to his role in Florian Zeller’s unforgettable film, The Father.

The French novelist and playwright earned critical acclaim for his directional debut that saw Anthony, an 80-year-old living defiantly alone with dementia continue to reject the carers that his daughter encouragingly introduces, as his grip on reality heartbreakingly unravels.

And now, Zeller’s tapped Vanessa Kirby, Hugh Jackman and Laura Dern for his latest project, aptly titled The Son.

Much like The Father, this new film is yet another adaptation of Zeller’s popular stage plays. However, unlike the film’s predecessor, this story follows the wild yet pleasant relationship between Peter (played by Hugh Jackman), his new partner Emma (played by Vanessa Kirby) and their baby.

But of course, their blissful life is turned on its head after Peter’s ex-wife Kate (played by Big Little Lies Laura Dern) appears at his doorstep with their teenage son, Nicholas, in tow. The reason for their arrival? Kate wants their troubled son to overcome the trauma of his parents’ divorce.

As per Variety, “Peter strives to be a better father, searching to help his son with those intimate and instinctive moments of family happiness. But the weight of Nicholas’ condition sets the family on a dangerous course.”

With the film’s production expected to start in the next couple of weeks, there’s a chance that The Son’s release will land within nomination season, meaning it could lead to a second Oscar nomination for Kirby, following Pieces Of A Woman.

In an interview with Variety, Zeller spoke of Kirby’s decision to take part in the film, saying, “Vanessa Kirby is for me a very great actress: intense, inventive and powerful. I am especially happy to take her on this cinematic adventure.”

As for when the film is headed to the big screen, details are still unknown. But watch this space for updates.

Related stories