By Amanda Gilmore
Acclaimed Writer-Director Azazel Jacobs delivers a moving portrait of the complexities within sibling dynamics with His Three Daughters. The story follows three sisters, the eldest Katie (Carrie Coon), middle Rachel (Natasha Lyonne) and the youngest Christina (Elizabeth Olsen) who coverage to care for their father when his health declines.
Jacobs heartbreakingly captures the feeling of being in limbo while watching a loved one slowly die before your eyes. Itâs the mental state of grieving something that hasnât yet completely gone. Jacobsâ meticulously written and distinct characters handle this state of being in different ways. And itâs clear from the first shot that His Three Daughters is like attending a masterclass in acting.
Coonâs captivating performance as the tense Katie speaks a mile a minute and is quick to judge any matter. Sheâs constantly at the throat of Rachel whoâs been the one living and caring for their ill father a year before his health took a turn for the worse. Lyonne delivers a nuanced performance as the middle sister whoâs quietly carried her pain alone. Then thereâs the quirky Christina who attempts to maintain her internal peace while appearing to be on the verge of breaking down. Olsen gives one of her finest performances to date.
The Script is loaded with monologues that showcase the powerhouse talent Jacobs has assembled which causes His Three Daughters to feel âstageyâ at times. But itâs these performances that enthral the viewer into the story. An affecting story that examines the bonds between siblings and how grieving takes many shapes and forms.
His Three Daughters screens at TIFF â23:
Saturday, September 9 at 12 PM at Visa Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre
Sunday. September 10 at 2:45 PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Sunday. September 17 at 5:30 PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
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