His Three Daughters Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

Trailer

Director: Azazel Jacobs
Genre: Drama, Family
Release year: 2023
Runtime (length): 1h 41min
IMDb rating: 7.2/10 (17K votes)
Rotten Tomatoes: N/A

0.0

0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Three sisters, each a different flavor of dysfunctional, gather to watch their dad slowly turn into a houseplant, only to realize they’re all just fighting because they secretly love the same sports-betting app.

🍿 His Three Daughters: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Reunion Under Duress

The film centers on three sisters, Katie, Christina, and Rachel, who gather in their father’s New York City apartment as he nears the end of his life. Each sister has a unique personality and life experience, leading to immediate tension and conflict within the cramped space. Katie is a controlling Brooklyn mother, Christina is a free-spirited Californian separated from her child, and Rachel is a stoner who still lives in the apartment with her father. The film quickly establishes the strained relationships between the sisters. Their diverse personalities clash as they navigate the practical and emotional challenges of caring for their dying father. This sets the stage for a raw exploration of familial dynamics, resentments, and the complexities of sibling bonds under pressure.

Navigating Grief and Resentment

As the sisters spend more time together, old wounds and resentments resurface. Their interactions reveal a history of competition, differing worldviews, and unresolved issues with their father. They grapple with the emotional weight of their father’s imminent death while simultaneously confronting their own personal struggles and each other’s flaws. Amidst the tension, moments of vulnerability and connection emerge. They share memories, argue, and occasionally find common ground. These interactions offer glimpses of the love and loyalty that underlies their fractured relationships, hinting at the possibility of healing and reconciliation.

Confrontations and Unexpected Bonds

The claustrophobic setting amplifies the emotional intensity, leading to confrontations and unexpected bonds. They confront each other about past hurts and present-day anxieties, revealing insecurities and unmet needs. Rachel’s boyfriend, Benjy, provides an outside perspective, challenging the sisters’ preconceived notions about each other and forcing them to reconsider their roles in the family dynamic. As their father’s condition deteriorates, the sisters begin to see each other in a new light. They recognize the sacrifices each has made and the burdens each carries, leading to a gradual softening of their animosity and a growing sense of empathy.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

If you plan to watch the movie first, watch here and come back to this section afterward.

See Spoilers and Ending

A Moment of Shared Delusion (SPOILER)

In a moment of shared hope and desperation, the sisters decide to move their father from his bed to a chair in the living room, hoping he can experience some joy in his final moments. In what appears to be a moment of clarity, the father rises and delivers a heartfelt monologue about his love for their mother and his appreciation for each of his daughters. However, the film then reveals that this moment was likely a shared hallucination or a dreamlike sequence. The father remains unresponsive, and it becomes clear that he did not actually speak. This ambiguous ending leaves the audience to ponder the nature of grief, the power of shared experiences, and the potential for reconciliation, even in the face of death.

Finding Peace (SPOILER)

Despite the ambiguous nature of the father’s final moments, the sisters seem to find a degree of peace and understanding. The shared experience of caring for him and navigating their complex relationships has brought them closer together. While old wounds may not be fully healed, they have gained a deeper appreciation for the bonds of sisterhood. The film concludes with a sense of bittersweet acceptance. The sisters are left to grieve their father’s passing, but they also carry with them a renewed sense of connection and the hope for a more harmonious future.

🎬 Cast & Characters

Katie (Carrie Coon): The controlling and pragmatic eldest sister, a Brooklyn mother, who feels responsible for managing her dying father’s care.
Rachel (Natasha Lyonne): The free-spirited, sports-betting youngest sister who has always lived with her father and carries the burden of his care.
Christina (Elizabeth Olsen): The emotionally detached middle sister, a separated mother, who struggles with unresolved issues related to her father.
Angel (Rudy Galvan): A hospice worker assisting the family during the father’s final days.

💬 Memorable Quotes

Christina: “Just because I don’t complain doesn’t mean I don’t have issues.” – Christina expresses her feelings and conveys that she also has problems despite not showing it.

💰Box Office

Budget: N/A
Domestic Gross: N/A
Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 His Three Daughters Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into this thinking it was gonna be a total downer, and while it was definitely heavy, it also had these moments of dark humor that really caught me off guard. The scene where they’re all trying to figure out the hospice paperwork while simultaneously bickering about childhood grievances? Classic. I loved how raw and real the sisterly dynamic felt, like I was eavesdropping on my own family. It made me want to call my sisters and tell them I loved them…and also maybe apologize for stealing their clothes in high school.

Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of character-driven dramas”
- “Viewers who appreciate realistic portrayals of family relationships”
- “Those interested in films about grief and reconciliation”
- “People who enjoy independent films with strong female leads”
Content warnings ⚠:
- “Language”
- “Drug use”
- “Themes of death and dying”
- “Mature family conflicts”

Professional Reviews

The New Yorker: “Jacobs masterfully creates a claustrophobic yet emotionally resonant space where these sisters confront their past and each other. The performances are uniformly excellent, especially Lyonne, who delivers a subtly heartbreaking performance.
IndieWire: “A poignant exploration of grief and sisterhood, ‘His Three Daughters’ finds its strength in its authenticity. While the pacing may be slow for some, the film’s emotional depth and superb acting make it a worthwhile watch. It captures the mundane and the profound moments of family life with equal care.
Variety: “Jacobs’s script is sharp and insightful, and the film’s minimalist setting allows the actors to truly shine. Though the ending may divide audiences, the journey of these three sisters is a compelling and moving experience. Olsen is fantastic.

Audience Reactions

The raw and unfiltered portrayal of family dynamics resonated deeply with viewers.: Many praised the film’s honest depiction of grief and sibling relationships, finding it both relatable and emotionally impactful.

Natasha Lyonne’s performance was singled out for its humor and pathos.: Viewers appreciated her portrayal of Rachel, finding her both funny and heartbreakingly vulnerable.

Overall Consensus: A moving and realistic portrayal of grief and sisterhood, elevated by strong performances and an intimate setting.

Awards

0.0

0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)

Rate Now!

Watch Now!

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

“Netflix acquired worldwide rights for the film out of the Toronto International Film Festival for $7 million.”
“The film is known for its intimate and character-driven storytelling style, capturing the raw emotions and nuances of familial relationships within a confined space.”

🖥️ How to Watch His Three Daughters?

Currently, ‘His Three Daughters’ is available for streaming on Netflix, which acquired the worldwide rights after the Toronto International Film Festival. Check Netflix in your region. As it is a Netflix exclusive, it is not available for rent or purchase on platforms like Prime Video or Apple TV.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed His Three Daughters, you might like these similar films:

August: Osage County (2013): Features a dysfunctional family coming together in a time of crisis, revealing long-simmering resentments and complex relationships.
The Savages (2007): Explores the relationship between two siblings who must care for their estranged, ailing father, dealing with their own lives and past issues.
Hannah and Her Sisters (1986): Another ensemble piece about the complex relationships between sisters, dealing with family dynamics and personal struggles.
Marriage Story (2019): Deals with family relationships, emotion, and masterful direction.

🛒 His Three Daughters Related Products

Elizabeth Olsen Signed Photo – His Three Daughters – Autographed 8×10: A collectible autographed photo from His Three Daughters, signed by Elizabeth Olsen. A prized possession for fans of the film.
Sisterhood: A Keepsake Book for Sisters: This keepsake book is designed for sisters to share memories, stories, and gratitude for each other.
Hospice Care Guide: Understanding End-of-Life Care: A comprehensive guide to understanding hospice care, providing information and support for families facing end-of-life decisions.
The Lovers [DVD]: Another Azazel Jacobs film starring Tracy Letts and Debra Winger. This is a great movie for people looking for films with similar themes, and/or enjoy the director’s work.

🎧 Soundtrack

His Three Daughters features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

“Scarlet Begonias” – performed by Elizabeth Olsen

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

Where can I watch ‘His Three Daughters’?

‘His Three Daughters’ is currently available exclusively on Netflix. Netflix acquired the rights to the film following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

What is ‘His Three Daughters’ about?

The movie revolves around three estranged sisters who reunite in their father’s New York apartment as he nears the end of his life. They confront their past, present, and complex relationships with each other while navigating the emotional challenges of caregiving and grief.

Who are the main actors in ‘His Three Daughters’?

The film stars Natasha Lyonne, Carrie Coon, and Elizabeth Olsen as the three daughters.

Is ‘His Three Daughters’ based on a play?

While the movie has a theatrical feel due to its limited setting and focus on dialogue, there’s no official confirmation that ‘His Three Daughters’ is based on a play. The film’s intimate and character-driven style lends itself well to stage adaptation.

🔥 Bonus Content

Elizabeth Olsen on Wanda vs Thor, Cutting Her Own Hair & New Movie His Three Daughters

Ever wonder what Elizabeth Olsen thought about filming ‘His Three Daughters’? She spills the beans on Jimmy Kimmel, talking about her role and even comparing Thor to Wanda. Honestly, her insights into the movie make you appreciate it even more!

Elizabeth Olsen, Carrie Coon & Natasha Lyonne Take a Friendship Test | Glamour

Want to see if the stars of ‘His Three Daughters’ are as close off-screen as they are on? This friendship test is hilarious and gives you a peek into their real-life bond. It’s honestly so heartwarming to see them interact!

✨ Rate

There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.