Film Review – The Birthday Celebration (2026)

      The Birthday Party, 2026.

      Directed by Miguel Ángel Jiménez.

      Featuring Willem Dafoe, Emma Suárez, Joe Cole, Vic Carmen Sonne, Christos Stergioglou, Carlos Cuevas, Antonis Tsiotsiopoulos, Francesc Garrido, María Pau Pigem, Pelle Heikkilä, Elsa Lekkakou, Nikolas Drosopoulos, Handrinou Ileana, Ilan Kaplan, and Ermina Kyriazi.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Markos Timoleon, a wealthy Greek businessman, celebrates his daughter's 25th birthday on his private island. Unexpected occurrences threaten his authority and challenge the foundations of his life.

      While the idea of attending a party hosted by Willem Dafoe as his character on a private Greek island in the 1970s seems too tempting to decline, the event itself is rather uninspiring, aside from the lead actor's ability to deliver a profound performance reminiscent of Greek tragedy. Co-writer/director Miguel Ángel Jiménez (in collaboration with Giorgos Karnavas and Nikos Panayotopoulos, adapting Panos Karnezis's book) employs the seasoned actor in surprising ways to emphasize layers and internal conflicts, such as a karaoke session that lends a different emotional hue to the narrative. In essence, the film feels more tragically poignant during Dafoe's singing than in the actual unfolding events. If someone were to enter during the final scene or credits, they would understandably conclude that the preceding 90 minutes were a compelling drama that deserves immediate viewing.

      Marcos Timoleon (Willem Dafoe) is a wealthy Greek entrepreneur (with brief and unremarkable discussions about trade routes and expansions) currently estranged from his 25-year-old daughter Sofia (Vic Carmen Sonne), following her departure for college after their family was destabilized by the accidental death of her older brother during her childhood. Sofia arrives on the island with her boyfriend Forster (Joe Cole), a biographer currently writing about Marcos. She is also pregnant, a fact her father is likely unaware of, although he has eyes and ears everywhere and soon learns the truth. Marcos disapproves of the romance for reasons related to the family's legacy and power, but Sofia believes her father's attitude is softening with age.

      However, the reality is quite different, as Marcos has also connected with long-time associates to deal with the situation in a horrific manner. One might expect this plan to bring a twisted momentum to the story, yet for far too long, the party feels stagnant and nearly lifeless, relying on the strength of its veteran star to keep it afloat. The views of the island are indeed striking, along with the luxurious home where Marcos resides, featuring a large outdoor swimming pool for guests to enjoy during the sweltering summer heat.

      The Birthday Party is structured like a one-act film, as so little transpires throughout that by the ending, it feels as if the narrative is just beginning to gain some momentum. While some screen time is devoted to the various guests, many of whom are also part of this dysfunctional family, none stand out or provide further insight. The interactions between Marcos and Sofia do not infuse the film with life either, as Vic Carmen Sonne appears miscast for the role. She lacks substantial character depth beyond her father's accusations of her associating with a drug-fueled crowd and wanting to sever ties with her family. Ultimately, the only conclusion drawn is the obvious sentiment that her father wishes she were the child who passed away. A complete portrayal of the family remains elusive, as does a fully-developed understanding between father and daughter.

      What results is, as noted, a genuinely nefarious scheme devised by Marcos that delves into much darker territory than merely trying to bribe Forster out of Sofia's life. Ironically, the film becomes engaging only after the party concludes (yes, that's a Billie Eilish reference). The remainder of The Birthday Party drags through a setting that could understandably hold more vibrancy, only rendered bearable by Willem Dafoe's pursuit of depth, which he occasionally achieves despite the film's shortcomings. Still, it is a gathering not worth attending.

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

      Robert Kojder