Film Review – Father Mother Sister Brother (2025)

      Father Mother Sister Brother, 2025.

      Directed by Jim Jarmusch.

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

      SYNOPSIS:

      Estranged siblings come together after a long separation, compelled to address lingering tensions and reassess their difficult relationships with their emotionally unavailable parents.

      Jim Jarmusch has been an influential presence in independent film since the 1980s, known for cult favorites 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 showcasing three family narratives that, while distinct, exhibit surprising similarities. This film sees him reunite with Paterson star Adam Driver for the initial storyline.

      In the first segment, siblings Jeff and Emily visit their ailing father, portrayed by Tom Waits. The pair's relationship with their father is clearly strained, as they haven't been in regular contact and are worried about his health. Waits delivers a delightful performance as the grumpy father, infusing the role with considerable wit despite his advancing age. Jarmusch captures a wonderfully awkward dynamic, particularly in the first two stories, reflecting the recognizable nuances of family interactions, notably with elderly relatives.

      The next two segments take us to Dublin, where a trio of characters almost seem unrelated. Charlotte Rampling plays Mother, a successful writer who has minimal connection with her daughters, aside from an annual afternoon tea. Vicky Krieps shines as the offbeat Lilith, who craves attention, while her sister Timothea is more reserved and composed.

      The concluding story shifts to Paris, where twins Skye and Billy are tidying up their parents’ old apartment. This segment is likely the least substantial of the three but still possesses its own charm.

      Jarmusch doesn’t break new ground here, and those unfamiliar with his style might find the slow, contemplative pace challenging to connect with. However, long-time fans will likely resonate with his rhythm. The performances from Waits, Krieps, and Rampling are particularly noteworthy and help maintain our engagement. Jarmusch weaves in glimpses and snippets of dialogue that highlight the thematic connections between the stories, despite their generational and geographical divergences. There is a lightness and gentle humor, especially in the second narrative, which is notably amusing.

      Father Mother Sister Brother may not offer anything new from Jarmusch’s oeuvre, but it certainly exudes a quirky charm. The impressive cast keeps us captivated, while the diverse settings and visuals give each part a unique feel.

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

      Chris Connor