In the new Netflix film His Three Daughters, the struggle to find solace in the face of grief takes center stage. Rachel, portrayed by Natasha Lyonne, yearns for a simple pleasure: to smoke in peace, ideally in the privacy of her own bedroom. Yet, each time she attempts this, obstacles arise. Her sister Katie, with her stern demeanor, disrupts Rachel’s moments of tranquility. When Rachel tries to find refuge on a quiet park bench, a security guard intervenes, reminding her that neighbors likely wouldn’t approve. In Rachel’s world, marked by her father’s impending death, the act of smoking a blunt becomes a desperate attempt to triumph over the shadow of mortality.
The film chronicles the sisters—Rachel, Katie (Carrie Coon), and Christina (Elizabeth Olsen)—as they navigate the emotional turmoil of waiting for their father to pass away. Their gathering in a cramped New York City apartment highlights the poignant complexity of their relationships. Each sister brings her unique personality to the mix, creating a fertile ground for drama. As they confront the uncomfortable reality of death, their interactions are fraught with tension and passive-aggressive banter.
Writer-director Azazel Jacobs carefully frames the sisters, initially avoiding shared shots to emphasize their individual struggles. Each is given a monologue that lays the groundwork for a theatrical exploration of their emotions. Most of the film unfolds in the confines of the apartment, with brief excursions to the courtyard. Despite the heavy themes, Jacobs infuses moments of lightness that counterbalance the pervasive sense of doom.
The sisters are not quite estranged, but their relationships are complicated. Rachel was adopted by their father after he married her mother, creating an intricate family dynamic that is further strained by their father’s illness. For Rachel, coping with her insecurities and the impending loss of her father involves seeking solace in marijuana, a small rebellion against the universe’s heavy hand.
Jacobs maintains a focus on Rachel throughout the film, reflecting her internal struggles while giving less screen time to Katie and Christina. As the story progresses, the looming presence of their dying father remains off-screen, representing the emotional repression felt by the sisters. It isn’t until the film’s climax that the father finally appears, a moment that defies expectations.
The film employs a unique narrative style, characterized by impassioned monologues that feel more performative than natural. This choice may leave viewers questioning the authenticity of the characters’ interactions, yet it aligns with Jacobs’ artistic vision. The color palette, while not overly exaggerated, invites comparisons to the stylized works of Finnish filmmaker Aki Kaurismäki, whose minimalist storytelling often resonates on a profound level.
In His Three Daughters, Jacobs navigates the delicate terrain of grief with a distinctive approach. The film’s quiet intensity stands in stark contrast to the more sensational content typically favored by streaming platforms. Ultimately, it offers a nuanced exploration of familial bonds, loss, and the search for personal peace amidst chaos.
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