2025 London Film Festival Review – Parent Sibling Relations

      Father Mother Sister Brother, 2025.

      Directed by Jim Jarmusch.

      Featuring Adam Driver, Tom Waits, Mayim Bialik, Charlotte Rampling, Cate Blanchett, Vicky Krieps, Sarah Greene, Indya Moore, and Luka Sabbat.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Siblings who have grown distant come together after years apart, compelled to face unresolved issues and reassess their complicated relationships with their emotionally withdrawn parents.

      Jim Jarmusch has been a pivotal figure in independent cinema since the 1980s, known for cult classics such as Ghost Dog: Way of The Samurai, Down By Law, Night on Earth, and Paterson. His latest work, Father Mother Sister Brother, is a triptych that showcases three family stories that, while not directly connected, share intriguing similarities. This film sees Jarmusch collaborate again with Adam Driver, the star of Paterson, for the first of these three narratives.

      In the first storyline, siblings Jeff and Emily visit their ailing father, played by Tom Waits. Their relationship appears quite chilly, as they have not maintained regular contact, worrying about his condition. Waits delivers a delightful performance as the grumpy father, infused with humor despite his advanced years. Jarmusch masterfully captures an awkwardness in the dynamics, especially in the first two stories, reflecting the relatable nuances of family interactions, particularly with older relatives.

      The next two segments transport us to Dublin, where three characters seem almost unrelated. Charlotte Rampling portrays Mother, a successful writer with minimal involvement in her daughters' lives, aside from an annual afternoon tea. Vicky Krieps shines as the quirky Lilith, who seeks attention, while her sister Timothea is more reserved and composed.

      The final story takes place in Paris, where twins Skye and Billy are clearing out their parents’ old apartment. It may be the least substantial of the three but still possesses its own appeals.

      Jarmusch does not venture into new territory here, and those unfamiliar with his style may find the slow, contemplative pace challenging to connect with. Longtime fans will likely resonate more with his approach. The performances, particularly by Waits, Krieps, and Rampling, keep us engaged. Jarmusch artfully weaves in subtle nods and dialogue snippets that illustrate the connections between the stories, despite the generational and geographical variations in some cases. There’s a lighthearted quality and gentle humor throughout, with the middle story being especially amusing.

      Father Mother Sister Brother does not present anything Jarmusch has not explored before, but it carries its own distinctive charm. The outstanding performances, as expected from such a talented cast, keep us captivated, while the diverse settings and visuals give each segment a unique feel.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Chris Connor