Co-written by Sarah Polley, director/writer Pablo adapts David Gilbert’s 2013 novel for the screen with an astounding British ensemble. At the head is Andrew Dyer (Bill Nighy), an aging literary superstar who has already achieved the status of legend. Personally though, Andrew is a bit of a mess. He has screwed everything up and seemingly given up on everyone in his life. This mostly affects his youngest son, Andy (Noah Jupe), who is still going through adolescence. This conflict between them comes to head though when Andrew calls his other two sons, Richard (Johnny Flynn) and Jamie (George Mackay) together to reveal a family secret that will shake the already broken foundation of their bond.
The film runs off a very play like structure, relying on its dialogue and verbal exposition of characters to set up the emotional conflict. In particular interest is the goals of Richard, the son most effected by Andrew’s breakdown in his old age and treatment of him as a son.
Like Andrew, Richard struggles to find his way in the world and how he will succeed in life. He feels he can only take from the world around him and, due to his dad’s natural antagonistic instincts, has only ever resented him. Richard’s ambitions as a writer, in particular, have always been undercut by Andrew and he continues to struggle to find any other passion. This conflict drives Richard and Andrew’s relationship to a new breaking point that may change both of their lives forever.
The film clearly is about the reconciling of family and intentions. Can anyone be forgiven for personal trauma and family trauma? All the actors do a very good job, Noah Jupe in particular is very good and Johnny Flynn as Richard gets very strong moments as his fighting with his dad escalates. Bill Nighy is a very interesting but cringe-inducing character. A man who is both throwing his life away but also has a clear yearning to do more than just leave books for the world.
& Sons is playing at TIFF ’25. For more information, click here.
