In My Father's Den

 

In My Father’s Den 2004

• Director: Brad McGann
• Based on the book: no
• Cast: Matthew McFadyen, Miranda Otto, Emily Barclay, Colin Moy, Jodie Rimmer
• Personal “oh yeah him/her” reaction, i.e. have seen this actor in:
• Matthew McFadyen – Deadpool & Wolverine, Pillars of the Earth, Robin Hood, Frost/Nixon, Death at a Funeral
• Miranda Otto – Lord of the Rings etc
• Why? Rave reviews
• Seen:  10 March 2025 

            Renowned but burnt-out war correspondent Paul (McFadyen) returns to New Zealand for his father’s funeral. He and his brother Andrew (Moy) have old unresolved conflicts but he’s quite the hero among the locals. There’s an old flame Jax (Jodie Rimmer), whose daughter (Barclay) might be his, a disturbing thought.

            Earnest and thoughtful, it’s what is called a slow burner. A lot of not very much happens for an hour or so and then a lot happens. It pulls together quite dramatically. Patti Smith’s music is worth a * of its own.

 

4* of 5