In Azazel Jacobs’s latest film, His Three Daughters, now available on Netflix, initial apprehensions arise due to the stilted dialogue and static close-up shots that evoke the feel of a stage play. While the performances of Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne, and Elizabeth Olsen are captivating, one may wish to witness them showcase this material in a live theater setting.
As the film progresses, however, it unfolds into a poignant and stirring family drama that grapples with universal themes of loss and connection. The story revolves around the three daughters of a dying man, who remains largely unseen, as they await his passing in their cramped Manhattan apartment. Each sister navigates her complex emotions: Coon portrays Katie, the distant and critical eldest daughter from Brooklyn; Lyonne plays Rachel, the devoted stepsister who has been close to their father throughout his illness; and Olsen is Christina, the youngest sister who attempts to bring peace from her life on the West Coast.
Character development is meticulously crafted, revealing a family that is both connected and somewhat estranged, responding to the shared grief on the horizon. The film features a mix of tension and camaraderie as the sisters bicker and negotiate their relationships, bringing to light the nuances of their individual histories.
Intermittent interruptions by a palliative care nurse or Rachel’s boyfriend Benjy add slight variety, but the heart of the film lies in the sisters’ dynamics as they confront the impending loss of their father, Vincent. Rachel grapples with her identity as the non-biological daughter, while the film thoughtfully addresses the complexities of familial bonds.
Throughout, Coon, Lyonne, and Olsen deliver exceptional performances, with Lyonne embodying a blend of raw emotion and weariness that grounds the film. Coon effectively portrays Katie’s facade of control, while Olsen’s character reflects a deeper, more poignant struggle with optimism in the face of grief.
The film captures the essence of personal and collective hardship, delicately exploring the connections we cherish and the inevitable losses we face. As it nears its conclusion, Jacobs introduces a dreamlike moment of connection, ultimately underscoring the film’s reflection on the unsaid aspects of relationships and the sorrow of unfulfilled knowledge about those we love. His Three Daughters serves as a bittersweet reminder that the depth of our connections must suffice, even amidst the heavy weight of unresolved emotions.