Azazel Jacobs’ “His Three Daughters,” set to stream on Netflix, offers a powerful and intimate look at family dynamics as three estranged sisters confront the looming death of their father. Set almost entirely in a small New York apartment, the film serves as a raw exploration of grief, resentment, and the complex ties that bind family members. With standout performances from Carrie Coon, Elizabeth Olsen, and Natasha Lyonne, the movie transforms what could have been a quiet, unnoticed film into a captivating drama filled with both tension and unexpected humor.
The plot centers around Christina (Elizabeth Olsen), Katie (Carrie Coon), and Rachel (Natasha Lyonne), three sisters who have come together to care for their dying father. He’s confined to a bedroom, barely conscious, while the sisters take turns watching over him. Though the specter of death looms large, it’s the unresolved conflicts between the siblings that become the true focus of the story. The film unfolds like a play, with limited settings and a script-driven narrative that captures the isolation and emotional volatility of this family.
Katie, the eldest sister, is portrayed by Carrie Coon, whose opening monologue sets the tone for much of the movie. She’s a perfectionist, struggling to control her emotions while harboring deep resentment toward her sisters. She lives close by in Brooklyn but has been mostly absent from their father’s life, leaving the caregiving to Rachel, the middle sister. Rachel, played by Lyonne, is an unemployed stoner who never left home and has been left with the burden of caring for their father. The youngest, Christina, played by Olsen, is a free-spirited yogi who lives across the country and has just left her own child for the first time to be with her sisters.
Jacobs’ script masterfully allows moments of humor to seep through the drama. One such moment comes when the sisters grapple with writing their father’s obituary, a task that brings out both the absurdity and the grief of trying to sum up a life in a few short lines. Katie’s frantic attempts to get a medical professional to confirm a DNR order further heighten the emotional stakes, as the sisters struggle with wanting their father to stay alive but also fearing the drawn-out agony of his final days.
What truly elevates “His Three Daughters” are the nuanced performances. Coon’s portrayal of the judgmental, controlling Katie is both formidable and heartbreaking. Lyonne, often known for her sharp comedic timing, brings a subtle, quiet sadness to her character, making Rachel a sympathetic figure despite her rough edges. Olsen, who is typically reserved in this role, communicates volumes through her silence and body language, especially in scenes where her character is being unknowingly observed.
As the film progresses, it becomes clear that the sisters’ assumptions about one another are often misguided, revealing the complexities of their relationships and the depths of their individual grief. In one of the more profound moments, Christina remarks, “Death isn’t like it is in the movies,” a line that encapsulates the raw authenticity of the film’s portrayal of loss.
“His Three Daughters” might be a slow burn, but it is never boring. Even with the temptations of distraction in a streaming environment, the film’s tension and emotional resonance keep viewers engaged. The limited theatrical release may have flown under the radar, but its availability on Netflix ensures that it will reach the larger audience it deserves.
In a time when family dynamics are often oversimplified on screen, “His Three Daughters” offers a refreshing and realistic portrayal of how grief can tear people apart and, just as often, bring them closer together. Whether watched alone or with family, the film will undoubtedly resonate with anyone who has experienced the complexities of familial love and loss.
“His Three Daughters,” streaming Friday on Netflix, is rated R for language and drug use. The film has a running time of 101 minutes and earns a solid 3.5 out of 4 stars.
