Gravity in family dynamics

'It's life. It's weighing me down,' explains Nicholas (Zen McGrath) to his father (Hugh Jackman), as both are trying to understand the situation, questioning its gravity.

An accurate psychological portrait of depression in teenagers, despite its title the film does not mainly focus on the son's mental health difficulties but on the father, Peter, and his struggles navigating the situation. The manifestation of Nicholas's depression is seen through common and well-known symptoms such as low mood, lack of interest in things in life, and isolation. Considering the divorce of his parents and the 'new' life of his father, the audience automatically understands and sympathises with Nicholas, almost to a point where his behaviour might be seen as 'normal'.

The movie, while exploring characters' psychologies, highlights the frustration and worries of parents toward their child's psychological well-being. It shows the challenges for parents in recognising whether their teenagers are simply 'being teens' or going through something more unusual. The audience is captivated, the desire to understand each character growing throughout the movie. Many of us can relate to the sad reality of common yet complex family dynamics. 

In addition to parental despair and confusion, The Son covers the emotional turmoil of having the position to control and decide what you think is best for your child. There can be guilt, resentment or relief associated with potential psychiatric care choices and their impact on the parent-child relationship.

The difficulties of communicating openly with teenagers increase the lack of understanding for parents and sometimes their vigilance, which is judiciously represented between Nicholas and his father. The movie makes us reflect on our ability to endorse healthy coping strategies when involving vulnerable and loved ones.

It also encapsulates the worry of raising our children the same dysfunctional way our parents raised us – Peter fears perpetuating that attitude onto Nicholas. As systemic family therapy would uncover, 'The Son' shows us how members behave and communicate within a system based on their own beliefs about their roles, and takes a close look at how one affects another.

With nearly one-third of 16-24-year-olds reporting evidence of depression the previous year in the UK (Office for National Statistics), this movie raises relevant and timely questions about depression, in particular awareness and treatments. At its heart is parent-teen communication, and how that might impact seeking out appropriate services. 

Reviewed by Marine Vernet, a member of the British Psychological Society, and a Counselling psychologist and psychotherapist in doctoral training, at The New School of Psychology and Counselling.

See also our review of the stage version.