A Heartwarming Review of ‘His Three Daughters’: A Familiar Comfort

The film showcases the strength of excellent storytelling. Taking place entirely within a single house, it skillfully explores the egos, conflicts, and unique dynamics between the three sisters.

They say that death has a way of bringing people together. The recent Netflix film, His Three Daughters, delves into this theme over the course of a 105-minute drama. Three women, bound by blood but differing in personality, are compelled to coexist under one roof for the sake of their ailing father. Lacking unexpected twists, His Three Daughters stands as a testament to the strength of compelling writing. Entirely set in a single house and on a bench outside, the film masterfully reveals the egos, conflicts, and differences among the three sisters as they strive to remain united.

After witnessing Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch unleash her fury on Doctor Strange in Multiverse of Madness, you might expect a more aggressive performance from her. However, in His Three Daughters, she takes on the role of the softer, more composed sister, delivering a subtle and nuanced portrayal that is quite challenging. While Carrie Coon’s Katie and Natasha Lyonne’s Rachel wrestle with deeper emotional struggles, Olsen’s Christina stands out as the most relatable character, often needing to pause and breathe amidst the turmoil while maintaining a sense of hope.

In an interesting twist, Rachel, who is older than Olsen and Coon, convincingly portrays their younger sister. A standout moment occurs when she holds back tears and asserts, “That is my dad, okay?” in response to Katie’s suggestion that their father, Vincent, is merely Rachel’s stepfather. This scene not only underscores the tension between the estranged siblings but also offers valuable insights into their characters and motivations without needing explicit explanations.

Director Azazel Jacobs showcases an impressive ability to work within a confined space. The camera moves around the house in a way that keeps things fresh and engaging. It deliberately avoids certain areas, concentrating mainly on the hallway, a glimpse of the kitchen, and parts of the bedrooms. This choice to steer clear of Vincent’s room reflects Rachel’s unease, as it keeps away from the medical equipment and the overwhelming scent of medicine. The initial emotional distance between the sisters is portrayed through wide shots during their arguments. As they begin to come to terms with their father’s looming death, the camera moves closer, capturing their moments of solidarity.

Vincent (Jay O Sanders) is not shown until the film reaches its climax, leaving us curious about the man who fathered these three women, who find it difficult to unite even for his sake. One might wonder about the decision to withhold Vincent’s presence at first, but the reasoning soon becomes apparent. The title, His Three Daughters, highlights that these women could represent anyone’s daughters, wives, or sisters.

His Three Daughters

Director: Azazel Jacobs

Genre: Drama

Platform: Netflix

Language: English

Rating: 3.5/5