The Son Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Son" by Sony manifests technical precision and aesthetic sensibility, aligning with cinematic expectations for a film of its thematic depth. Utilizing an MPEG-4 AVC encode on a BD-50 disc with a capacity of 36.28 GB, the film is offered in its native 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The video fidelity suggests the Digital Intermediate (DI) might have been resolved at 4K, though projected resolution specifics remain unspecified. Notably shot using the Sony Venice camera paired with Zeiss Supreme Primes and Angénieux Optimo zoom lenses, Cinematographer Ben Smithard achieves a polished and contemporary visual style, deftly capturing diverse New York landscapes alongside intimate interior scenes.

The AVC-encoded 1080p transfer delivered by Sony is commendable, successfully surpassing Blu-ray standards with its detailed and precise imagery. The contrast is robust, enhancing the depth of blacks, maintaining excellent shadow detail while minimizing crush. Colors are balanced, offering a natural yet impressive vibrancy without excessive saturation. The portrayal of various scenes, from the muted tones of Peter and Beth's evocatively designed apartment to the fleeting brightness of Peter and Kate's vacation sequences, showcases a controlled interplay of illumination that aligns seamlessly with the film's introspective narrative.

Despite "The Son" not being primarily designed as a visual showcase, its Blu-ray treatment does not falter in aesthetics or function. The execution reflects an immersive visual experience, offering viewers a sharp and refined narrative immersion that is visually rewarding. The warm hued color palette supports the film’s tonal atmosphere while maintaining technical proficiency through consistent high bitrate and a methodical scene selection spread across the 123-minute feature duration. This Blu-ray release will undeniably satisfy audiences seeking both cinematic storytelling and visual engagement.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "The Son" offers a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround mix complemented by an English Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio Descriptive track. The dialogue-driven nature of the film is well-supported, with spoken words delivered clearly and intelligibly throughout. This clarity ensures that Hugh Jackman's resonant voice leaves a strong impression. The mix leans towards a front-heavy configuration, which is characteristic of dialogue-centric dramas. However, the audio design effectively captures the ambient noise of New York City, integrating these subtle elements into the surround channels.

Hans Zimmer’s score enhances the auditory landscape with its somber yet delicate compositions. His work features low-pitched piano chords and ascending strings, reminiscent of his earlier projects like "Rain Man" and "The Thin Red Line." These musical elements add depth to the emotional narrative without overpowering dialogue or scenes. Despite its focus on vocals, the soundtrack maintains excellent fidelity and dynamic range, skillfully rendering ambient sounds such as city exteriors and passing trains during interior sequences.

Overall, "The Son" provides a solid 5.1 sound mix that aligns well with its narrative needs, emphasizing dialogue clarity while still enriching the setting with atmospheric audio cues. The audio execution meets expectations for a drama of this nature, delivering an engaging listening experience without attempting to overwhelm with unnecessary intensity.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Son" provide insightful content that enhances the viewing experience with a professional focus on the film's production and thematic elements. Bringing THE SON to the Screen is a concise 10-minute featurette offering behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with key creatives such as director Florian Zeller, co-writer Christopher Hampton, and actors like Hugh Jackman. The interviews enrich the understanding of the film’s thematic focus on mental health. Presented in 1080p and a 2.39:1 anamorphic widescreen format, this featurette includes English and multiple language subtitles, delivering accessibility to a broader audience. Additional content includes the Theatrical Trailer, also in 1080p with Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo audio, showcasing the film's original promotional material. The disc also offers Bonus Previews, featuring trailers for notable Sony Pictures Classics titles.

Extras included in this disc:

• Bringing THE SON to the Screen: B-roll footage and interviews with the cast and crew.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for "The Son".
• Bonus Previews: Trailers for other Sony Pictures Classics films.

Florian Zeller's "The Son," adapted from his 2018 play, tells a poignant tale centered on the fracturing dynamic between Peter (Hugh Jackman), a successful Manhattan attorney, and his troubled teenage son, Nicholas (Zen McGrath). The film explores strained familial ties as Nicholas moves in with Peter, now living with his second wife Beth (Vanessa Kirby), following concerns about severe depression. Despite strong performances from an ensemble cast, particularly Jackman's compelling portrayal of a father torn between career aspirations and familial duties, the film's narrative struggles to effectively delve into Nicholas’s mental illness, leaving notable gaps in character development and story coherence.

Hugh Jackman's role in "The Son" marks a pinnacle in his dramatic career, overshadowing even the formidable screen presence of Anthony Hopkins in a brief yet significant role. While Jackman embodies Peter with emotional depth, showcasing his versatility post-X-Men fame, the film falters in its execution. The script inadequately addresses the gravity of Nicholas’s condition, neglecting thorough exploration of his mental health issues despite evident warning signs. Laura Dern delivers a nuanced performance as Kate, Nicholas's mother, but her character, alongside Peter, is portrayed as lamentably ignorant about their son's psychological needs.

Despite its intention to prompt discourse on mental health among adolescents, "The Son" suffers from an underdeveloped script that glosses over critical therapeutic interventions and character motivations. The movie's sporadic pacing and unresolved plot elements detract from its potential impact. While the interaction between Peter and Nicholas is the film's core strength—providing moments of genuine connection and tension—the narrative fails to fully harness these interactions to drive a more insightful exploration of family dynamics amidst mental health crises. Overall, "The Son" promises much but ultimately delivers a disjointed exploration of its themes.

"The Son" on Blu-ray is a complex viewing experience that oscillates between profound moments and missed opportunities. The film presents several intense performances, accentuated by dramatic monologues, but falls short of becoming the deep exploration of mental health it aspires to be. Sony's Blu-ray release is technically proficient, offering a solid transfer and a robust DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix. Although not available in a 4K format, the Blu-ray presentation is more than capable of conveying the film's visual and auditory intentions.

While the film's performances are commendable, the narrative lacks consistency, failing to fully engage its audience or provide meaningful insights into its themes. The attempt to create an important, thought-provoking piece is evident, yet it falters with adult characters that lack depth and intelligence. Fans of drama might appreciate the strong acting showcased in this release but may find the overall experience wanting.

In conclusion, "The Son" is a film that intrigues with its premise but ultimately doesn't fulfill its potential. The Blu-ray is well-produced technically, making it a suitable option for fans and collectors. However, given its narrative shortcomings, a rental might be the most prudent way to engage with this work. For those seeking a more impactful exploration of similar themes, Marisa Silver's "Permanent Record" offers an enriched perspective. Thus, "The Son" receives a mild recommendation for its Blu-ray rendition.