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The Son
The Son Image
Metascore
86 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 18 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.5 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Starring: Isabella Soupart, Morgan Marinne, Olivier Gourmet
  • Summary: A divorced carpentry instructor at a vocational training center finds his life turned upside down by the arrival of a mysterious student. (New Yorker Films)

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    100
    It is as assured and flawless a telling of sadness and joy as I have ever seen.
  2. Christian Science Monitor
    Reviewed by: David Sterritt
    100
    It combines a fresh and exciting style with stunning performances and that rarity in current film, a deeply humanistic story.
  3. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: Jack Mathews
    50
    Sitting through the film is punishing work. The jittery closeups create a response that is more physical (I'm thinking nausea) than emotional, and there are no respites.

See all 18 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 3 out of 9
  1. ChadS.
    10
    Suddenly, every banal action by this sullen carpenter is significant. Our focus moves away from an overwhelming awareness that this film is being shot with a handheld camera, and onto the blank slate of a face we suspect is a signpost for an imploding soul. Before our very eyes, "The Son" transforms from a stunt into truth, artifice into edifying art. Emilie Dequenne is easier on the eyes than Olivier Gourmet, but "The Son" probably surpasses the Palm d'or-winning "Rosetta" from Cannes '99, simply because we're in disbelief that these talented filmmakers made another great film with this avant-garde approach that stops precariously short of being arch. Ultimately, "The Son" is a suspense film. Without any music cues to prepare us, we're kept on edge everytime the mentor is out of frame in context with his younger companion.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. KaterinaD.
    2
    It could have been a very good film, but it isn't as it is very empty - no emotions, neither some story to keep your mind busy.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. DavidT
    1
    Wow, What a bore. NOTHING Happens! cure for insomnia.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 9 User Reviews

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