Ellen Cantarow

Most of us would agree that losing one’s mind to dementia is arguably the worst thing that could ever happen to one. Anthony Hopkins’ performance in this brilliantly constructed drama, which unfolds within the father’s own fragmenting mind, makes intimately clear why - and how - this is so. Colman’s performance as his daughter is almost equally arresting though the focal center is always Anthony - both the fictional old man and the real, old actor. What none of the reviews I’ve read stress is the kindness and compassion shown to a difficult man in his tragic decline. This is surely the film’s saving grace. All of the supporting roles are convincingly played. Warning: don’t see this right before you go to sleep, especially if you’re middle-aged or old, or if you are going through this with a parent. I should add that I sobbed throughout the final part of the film. I have never seen a film that cut to the bone marrow on this most feared, tragic and increasingly common human experience.