The Father

The Father

Year: 2021

Runtime: 97 min

Language: English

Director: Florian Zeller

Drama

As an 80-year-old man resists help and fiercely maintains his independence, his daughter struggles to support him while protecting their bond. The lines of reality become increasingly blurred as memories resurface, prompting profound questions about identity and the impact of aging. The film explores the complexities of family relationships and the challenges of confronting mortality and the fragility of the human mind.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Father yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – The Father (2021)

Trace every key event in The Father (2021) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Anne's Visit

Anne visits her father, Anthony, in his apartment. Anthony expresses agitation towards his current caretaker, showcasing the confusion and struggles that come with his dementia.

Anthony's apartment
2

The Surprise News

During Anne's visit, Anthony surprises her with his belief that she is still married to James, unaware of her five-year divorce. This revelation leaves Anne perplexed, adding to the tension of their interaction.

Anthony's apartment
3

A New Stranger

The following day, Anthony finds a stranger named Paul living in his flat, who claims that they all reside together with Anne. This situation deepens Anthony's confusion and sense of dislocation.

Anthony's apartment
4

Anne's Transformation

When Anne returns home with dinner, she appears as a different woman to Anthony, escalating his frustration. He struggles to reconcile the changing figures in his life with his fading memory.

Anthony's apartment
5

Introducing Laura

Anne introduces a new caretaker, Laura, to Anthony. Despite claiming to be self-sufficient and boasting about his past, Anthony feels an unsettling familiarity with Laura, as she reminds him of his daughter Lucy.

Anthony's apartment
6

Doctor's Visit

Anne takes Anthony to see a doctor who questions his memory. Anthony denies any issues and proudly speaks of Lucy as a talented painter, unaware of the tragic truth behind her absence.

Doctor's office
7

Lucy's Accident

Laura mentions Lucy's accident, which shocks Anthony as he has no recollection of it. This moment highlights his deepening disorientation and denial about the state of his life.

Doctor's office
8

An Emotional Confrontation

Tensions rise as Anne returns home and has an argument with Paul regarding Anthony's behavior. Their heated discussion culminates in an emotional confrontation, leaving Anthony feeling hurt and alone.

Anthony's apartment
9

Waking in Confusion

Anthony awakens in a hospital corridor, overcoming haunting visions of Lucy. This moment signifies his struggle to come to terms with reality and the loss he continues to face.

Hospital
10

The Nursing Home

In the nursing home, a nurse informs Anthony of Anne's new life in Paris with Paul. This news pushes Anthony into a deeper emotional crisis as he grapples with his fading memories and loneliness.

Nursing home
11

Yearning for Familiarity

Haunted by the news of his family's changes, Anthony desperately longs for familiarity and connection. His emotional state illustrates the pain of losing touch with the reality he once knew.

Nursing home
12

Expressing Grief

In a deeply poignant moment, Anthony cries out for his mother, symbolizing his profound sense of loss. He expresses his fear of 'losing his leaves,' a metaphor for his deteriorating grasp on reality.

Nursing home
13

The Final Imagery

The film concludes with evocative scenes of rustling leaves, mirroring Anthony's struggles. This imagery symbolizes the fragility of life and the painful process of memory fading away.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 14:15

Unlock the Full Story of The Father

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Father in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Father is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Father Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Father, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Father Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Father

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Father. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Father

The Father Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of The Father? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

The Father Ending Explained

More About The Father

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Father: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Father

Similar Movies to The Father

Discover movies like The Father that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.