His Three Daughters (2024) – Movie Review (Written)

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Plot Summary

Three daughters, two biological and one by marriage, are spending a rare moment together. Unfortunately, it isn’t in celebration but prepping to mourn their shared father who is on his last days. From what it appears, the sisters aren’t especially close. Katie’s part in that is because she will note how her and Christina are biologically related to their dad, Vincent, and makes subtle, but impactful, delineations. Rachel, who is really on that not giving af, type vibe, isn’t for Katie’s nonsense and while the two are similar, it seems they’d rather break their reflection than embrace it.

As for Christina? She no longer lives in New York and appears to be the youngest of the three. So, between her sisters living their own life by the time she was coming of age, to living away, with a life that seems a little too perfect compared to the other two, she too feels a bit disconnected.

However, with their father’s death being within days, and none of them wanting to miss the chance for a final goodbye or to send him off, they are forced to be together and the more time they are in each other’s presence, the more pressure there is until their thoughts combust out their mouths.

Noted Cast and Characters Of “His Three Daughters”

Carrie Coon As Katie

Katie is Vincent’s eldest from his first marriage. She struggles with her eldest daughter, often bumps heads with Rachel, and has a cutting tongue.

Natasha Lyonne As Rachel

Rachel comes from Vincent’s second marriage, and since she was four, she has only known Vincent as her father. But, be it out of jealousy or other issues, Katie has long had a challenging relationship with Rachel.

The actor is also known for their role in “Poker Face.”

Elizabeth Olsen As Christina

Christina is Vincent’s youngest, so it seems, who somehow shares a mother with Katie. She has been known for not needing much and valuing a sense of autonomy. Recently, within the last few years, she has had her first child, a girl, like Katie, and while excited about motherhood, it seems things aren’t as perfect in her life as they seem.

The actor is also known for their role in “Sorry For Your Loss.”

Jay O. Sanders As Vincent

Vincent was a public servant who, after two marriages and raising three daughters, has come to the end of his life.

The actor is also known for their role in “When You Finish Saving the World.”

Collected Quote(s)

Review

Our Rating: Mixed (Divisive)

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Highlights

Vincent’s Goodbye

Vincent is a ghost for most of the film. We’re told he exists in a room that Christina and Katie go in and out of, but Rachel will barely go beyond the doorway. You assume the worst, and it is pushed that, similar to a film about assault, the idea is you have enough of an imagination, or memories, to not need to see something potentially triggering or horrific.

Yet, to much surprise, we do see Vincent in the flesh. It feels like a massive gift, considering how he is talked about and the ladies struggle with how to summarize his life. So, getting a sense of who he is firsthand, hearing him talk, and telling a story makes him real. Add in seeing these three women, two of which have strong personalities, dote on a man and call him daddy, all while trying to snuggle, deliver kisses, and even a selfie? It creates a sweet moment that could bring you to tears.

The Complicated Relationship Between Sisters

With Rachel not being biologically Vincent’s, yet Christina and Katie being so, you can tell, even if they grew up in the same home, there are differences that more so separate than bring all parties together. This is especially true since Katie likes to be technical, twist the knife a bit, and doesn’t seem to have the self-awareness to understand why she can be challenging to be around. Note, does she have her moments or gestures of kindness? Yes. But there is always a push of her knowing what she should do, but it not coming naturally.

Which isn’t to say Christina or Rachel are perfect. As much as Christina wants a sense of closeness with her older sisters, she doesn’t seem vulnerable and open. She is married with a child, and to some, like Rachel, the worst thing in Christina’s life is that her daughter won’t eat food that’s green. Yet, in phone conversations, there is a push that maybe something is wrong in her marriage, and as much as she is back in New York to be there for her father, maybe it is also to get away from the other man in her life?

As for Rachel? Honestly, with her not having kids, like Katie and Christina, and seemingly not having a life outside of the apartment and courtyard, she is a bit of a mystery. But, at the same time, while she may open up to her boyfriend, her sisters? That doesn’t seem possible. In fact, for most of the movie, it seems she is ready to say goodbye not only to her father but also to her sisters. This push from Katie, and pull from Christina, leads to you sometimes being unsure who started it: Katie with an insensitive comment or Rachel, feeling like the outsider, settling into the persona to not be shocked when reminded of her position.

On The Fence

It Feels As Long As It Is

“His Three Daughters” is not a movie with a quick pace, and even with comedic moments to lighten up what’s going on, it still feels like a long drama. The kind that makes you check your phone to see how much time is left as you watch the sisters go back and forth, bickering over things unsaid, who shares a parent, and topics that all seem like they would be part of the dialog for a film like this, but something is lacking as they build up to Vincent’s appearance.

I can only surmise that, in an effort to tell the truth, there is no erasure of the mundane. So, while those seeking out accolade-worthy performances will likely be engaged, others may lose focus when Katie and Rachel aren’t going back and forth.

The Beginning and Middle Feel Like A Play Where Characters Speak More To The Audience Than Each Other

The weird thing about “His Three Daughters” is you can’t deny the performances or writing, but there still seems like there is something off about it. One take could be that it comes off like a play. Yes, people are talking, but it seems they are talking to each other to inform you of what is going on and who is who, rather than talking as familiars with shared pasts and unresolved issues.

That creates a dynamic that is sometimes weird as you don’t feel like there is a pursuit of accolades, but even in the honesty of the performances, something feels played up for the audience. Whether it is making archetypes clear as Christina does yoga, centers herself, and notes her past experience being a fan of The Grateful Dead, or Katie being the oldest who tries to be akin to a maternal figure even if it doesn’t come at ease. It all feels, similar to Vincent’s initial avoidance, to seem like enough is given to invoke the audience’s own memory rather than make viewers voyeurs of an intensely private and intimate time period in these ladies’ lives.

Who Is This For?

“His Three Daughters” is made for those who like to see plays that take place primarily in one setting and are like pressure cookers building up to the point it has to release a massive amount of steam or it could explode.

General Information

Film Length

1 Hour 41 Minutes

Date Released

August 15, 2024 (Early Screening)

September 6, 2024 (Limited Release)

September 20, 2024 (Netflix)

How To Watch “His Three Daughters”

In Theaters, Netflix

Where To Watch

Where To Buy, Rent or Subscribe To Watch This:

Distributor

Netflix

Director(s)

Azazel Jacobs

Writer(s)