This touching and heartfelt drama recently released on Netflix has made many people reach for tissues. The film looks at the painful experience of watching a loved one die. It shows how family members try to make their final moments peaceful and happy, even while struggling with their own feelings.
Some people believe it helps to have close friends and family around during such tough times, while others think it is easier to handle alone.
This film is essential for anyone who knows how complicated it can be to work with family members you may not be close to during a crisis. This article will explain everything you need to know about His Three Daughters.
When Was ‘His Three Daughters’ Released?
His Three Daughters had a limited theatrical release on September 6 and became available to stream on Netflix on September 20. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, receiving positive feedback from those who watched it.
Many viewers praised the film for its emotional depth and realistic portrayal of family dynamics during a difficult time. The performances of the cast, especially the three sisters, received special mention.
Critics highlighted how well the actors captured the struggles and complexities of their characters, making the audience feel deeply for each sister.
Watch the Trailer for ‘His Three Daughters’
In the trailer, viewers get a glimpse of the three daughters struggling with their father’s impending death. The trailer sets the tone for the film, showcasing the emotional weight of the story. Each sister has a different personality, leading to conflicts among them.
For example, Katie’s controlling nature often clashes with Rachel’s more carefree attitude. Eventually, they realize they must accept their differences and support each other because they are the only ones who understand this situation fully. The trailer also hints at some lighter moments, suggesting that humor plays a role in the sisters’ interactions, even amid their grief.
Who Stars In ‘His Three Daughters’?
Carrie Coon plays Katie, the eldest daughter. Katie communicates in a direct way and sees things in a black-and-white manner. She feels comforted by trying to control situations, even those she cannot. Katie keeps her personal life private and focuses on her father’s care.
Carrie Coon is from Ohio and is known for her roles in Gone Girl, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and the series The Leftovers. Her portrayal of Katie adds depth to the character, showing the audience her vulnerability and the heavy burden she carries.
The second daughter, Christina, is played by Elizabeth Olsen. As the middle child, she seeks perfection and works to keep the sisters together. Christina tries to mediate conflicts using “gentle parenting” methods to maintain peace and understanding.
Elizabeth Olsen is best known for playing Wanda Maximoff in various MCU films. Her performance as Christina reveals her character’s struggles to hold the family together while dealing with her own issues, making her a relatable figure for many viewers.
Natasha Lyonne plays Rachel, the youngest sister. Rachel has lived with their father during his battle with cancer, while her sisters live farther away. Although her older sisters view her as childish and aloof, she has been there every day since his diagnosis and uses marijuana to cope with her emotions.
Natasha Lyonne is recognized for her role in Russian Doll and Orange Is The New Black. Her portrayal of Rachel adds a layer of complexity, as she grapples with feelings of isolation and the weight of caring for her father.
Rudy Galvan plays Angel, the hospice care worker who supports the sisters and offers advice. Galvan has also appeared in Ghostwriter and Megan Is Missing. His character serves as a calming presence, guiding the sisters through their emotional turmoil.
Jovan Adepo plays Benjy, Rachel’s boyfriend, who shares a moving moment with Katie and Christina, despite his limited screen time. His character adds another layer of emotional depth to the story, as he provides support to Rachel during her struggles.
The father, Vincent, is played by Jay O. Sanders. Vincent brings the sisters together during his final days and reminds them that their bond will grow after his passing. This pivotal role emphasizes the importance of family and connection.
Lastly, Jose Febus plays Victor, the superintendent of the apartment building, sharing light moments with Rachel. His character adds a bit of levity to the story, offering a different perspective on the sisters’ struggles.
What Is ‘His Three Daughters’ About?
His Three Daughters feels like a stage play, mostly taking place in one location with a small cast. The film focuses on the conversations and personalities of the characters. Rachel, Christina, and Katie come together as their father transitions from hospital to hospice care while fighting cancer.
Each sister has a different way of dealing with pre-grief, causing tensions, especially between Katie and Rachel. Christina tries to mediate but is also busy with her seemingly perfect life.
Katie struggles with her husband and kids but does not talk about it. She often criticizes Rachel’s lifestyle, treating her like a teenager.
This is complicated by the fact that Rachel was adopted by Vincent after he remarried. Despite having no blood relation, Rachel shares a close bond with their father, causing guilt for Katie. The film shows the realities of life and the different ways people handle tough emotions.
As the story unfolds, viewers witness how the sisters confront their past, their family dynamics, and their individual feelings about their father’s condition.
They reflect on their childhood memories, their relationships with each other, and the choices they have made in their lives. The film beautifully captures the messiness of family life and the emotional struggles that come with it.
The official synopsis from Netflix reads:
From writer-director Azazel Jacobs comes this bittersweet and often funny story of an elderly patriarch and the three grown daughters who come to be with him in his final days.
Katie is a controlling Brooklyn mother dealing with a wayward teenage daughter; free-spirited Christina is separated from her offspring for the first time; and Rachel is a sports-betting stoner who has never left her father’s apartment. Jacobs follows the siblings over three volatile days as death looms, grievances erupt, and love seeps through the cracks of a fractured home.
Who Made ‘His Three Daughters’?
His Three Daughters is written, directed, and produced by Azazel Jacobs, known for French Exit and The Lovers. He directed episodes of the HBO series Doll & Em. Jacobs has a knack for capturing family dynamics and the emotional complexities that come with them.
Cinematography is by Sam Levy, who has worked on films like Lady Bird. His work beautifully complements the film’s tone, enhancing the emotional depth of each scene.
In addition to Jacobs, Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne, and Elizabeth Olsen also produced the film, with Maya Rudolph as an executive producer.
The collaboration among these talented individuals contributes to the film’s authenticity and emotional impact. The film’s production team worked hard to create a setting that feels intimate and relatable, drawing viewers into the sisters’ world.
Final Thoughts
His Three Daughters is not just a film about death; it is a story about life, love, and the bonds that hold families together. It challenges viewers to reflect on their relationships with their own family members and the complexities that arise in times of crisis.
The film’s emotional depth, combined with its realistic portrayal of family dynamics, makes it a must-watch for anyone who appreciates stories about the human experience.
The performances of the cast bring the characters to life, making their struggles relatable and heartfelt. As viewers follow the sisters’ journey, they are reminded of the importance of understanding, compassion, and forgiveness within families.
This film resonates with anyone who has faced loss or followed complicated family relationships, making it a powerful and moving experience.
