Nov. 03, 2021|United Kingdom | France|95 Min.|R
Genre: Adventure;Crime;Drama;Family;Kids;Mystery;Romance;Thriller
Description: “My Son” (2021) is a thriller that struggles to find its footing despite its intriguing concept. Directed by Christian Carion, known for “Joyeux Noel,” and starring James McAvoy and Claire Foy, the film was unexpectedly released on Peacock and later on The Roku Channel, bypassing traditional theatrical or VOD platforms. Inspired by Carion’s 2017 French film of the same name, this adaptation employs an unconventional approach: McAvoy improvised his performance without a script or dialogue, aiming to authentically capture the confusion and panic of his character, Edmond Murray. While this technique seems promising, it ultimately fails to elevate the film, resulting in a disappointingly dull experience.
The story follows Edmond, a father who receives the unimaginable news that his seven-year-old son has gone missing shortly after being dropped off at camp. The film initially builds tension with unanswered questions: Did the child run away? Was he kidnapped? Why are authorities investigating a nearby lake? However, Carion’s decision to reveal answers too quickly undermines the suspense, depriving McAvoy’s performance of the depth it could have achieved.
As the investigation progresses, authorities suspect the boy’s disappearance may be linked to Edmond’s high-stakes international work involving sensitive materials and covert operations. Could someone be targeting him personally? Edmond’s suspicions also turn to his ex-wife Joan (Claire Foy) and her new boyfriend (Tom Cullen), especially after he discovers Joan has been given Valium to help her sleep. This raises questions about her emotional state: Shouldn’t a mother be tirelessly searching for her missing child?
Despite its talented cast and high-concept premise, “My Son” falls short of delivering the intensity and originality it promises, leaving viewers with a lackluster thriller that fails to fully captivate.
Cast director: Christian Carion
Cast actor: James McAvoy, Claire Foy, Tom Cullen, Gary Lewis, Michael Moreland, Jamie Michie, Robert Jack, Mark Barrett, Andrew John Tait
Original name: My Son