Laurel Ackerson

As provocative, deeply touching and painful as it is to admit that it is beautiful, this film and story is spectacularly acted on all accounts. It almost feels like a “breakthrough” performance despite Hopkins’ storied career. Absolutely essential to point out how the perspectives and observations made by family members and caretakers are so incredibly spot-on. Dementia does not simply impact the person - it deeply changes those who, god willing there are some - are right there with the person every agonizing step along the way. Dementia doesn’t slowly take one life - it can “take” many. The actors here, particularly the one playing Anne, reflect their own growing confusion, emotional pain and the concerns they have for their loved one - Hopkins as the father. Even the context of losing hired caregivers as a result if the person’s behavior is poignantly true - leaving the family caregiver in the lurch through the fault of absolutely no one. What an absolutely magnificent film.