Leah's Movie Lowdown
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The Daughter

Rated: Not Rated

        As time goes on there are more and more actors whose work I pay closer attention to. These are people whose work is either getting better as time goes on, or whom I’m just starting to notice a little more, or both. A few examples would be Kristen Wiig, Sam Rockwell, Ryan Reynolds and Geoffrey Rush. All of these people have been in the film industry for years and years, but, especially in the cases of Ryan Reynolds and Geoffrey Rush, I’m finally starting to notice and appreciate them for the truly talented people they are.
Ewen Leslie, Odessa Young and Sam Neill in The Daughter (Photo courtesy of Kino Lorber)

Ewen Leslie, Odessa Young and Sam Neill in The Daughter (Photo courtesy of Kino Lorber)

   
        One of Geoffrey Rush’s most recent films is The Daughter, and while he’s not the main character, the film is no less a showcase of his range and talents. The synopsis for the film goes something like this: After years away, Christian, played by Paul Schneider, returns home to rural New South Wales, Australia for his father’s wedding to a much younger bride. With the tension in his father’s house quickly becoming unbearable, Christian finds solace spending more and more time with his childhood friend Oliver and Oliver’s family. But after discovering a secret that could tear all of their lives apart, Christian must decide whether to let the past lie, or reveal the truth, no matter how painful.
Geoffrey Rush and Anna Torv prepare to be wed in The Daughter (Photo courtesy of Kino Lorber)

Geoffrey Rush and Anna Torv prepare to be wed in The Daughter (Photo courtesy of Kino Lorber)

 
        The Daughter is Simon Stone’s first film in the writer/director’s seat, and what a lovely job he did all the way round. In having so many strong talents in the cast, including Rush, Schneider, Sam Neill and Miranda Otto, one would think Stone would’ve struggled to keep the subtle and delicate nature of the film throughout, but he managed it and then some.
 
        In keeping the more experienced and headstrong talents at bay, Stone was truly able to exhibit the capacity of relative newcomer Odessa Young. Young plays Hedvig, Oliver and Charlotte’s teenage daughter, and the true star of the film. It is Hedvig who seems to hold everyone in the film together, as it is Young who steals the spotlight from the acting veterans and proves that, at least in film, age doesn’t matter if you have enough talent. Young demonstrated with her performance that she is an up and coming talent who deserves our respect and attention as her career begins to blossom. I’ll certainly be keeping an eye on her!
Odessa Young as Hedvig in The Daughter (Photo courtesy of Kino Lorber)

Odessa Young as Hedvig in The Daughter (Photo courtesy of Kino Lorber)

 
        In a day and age when, in the world of film, it seems that everything has to be bigger, better and louder, it’s truly refreshing to watch a film that’s subtle, laid back and calm. The Daughter is like a pot of soup simmering on the stove; you know it will boil at some point, but it takes its time and gets there slowly. When it does reach its boiling point the result is a feeling of satisfaction, coupled with immense heartbreak. If the end of this film doesn’t have you in tears, I don’t think anything will!

      The Daughter is not rated and was written and directed by Simon Stone.  It stars Odessa Young, Geoffrey Rush, Paul Schneider, Miranda Otto, Sam Neill and Ewen Leslie. It’s set to be released in New York City January 27, in L.A. February 3, and nationwide shortly thereafter.