MY SON (2021) - Movie Review

Director: Christian Carion
Starring: James McAvoy, Claire Foy, Tom Cullen, Gary Lewis
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Writer: Christian Carion, Laure Irrmann
Runtime: 95 min
Rated: Rated R for language throughout and some violence
Buy This Movie: Apple TV

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Synopsis:

Driving in the heart of the Highlands, Edmond Murray receives a call from his ex-wife, in tears. Their 7-year-old son went missing from a campsite. Soon it becomes clear that the child was kidnapped and the parents give way to despair.

Review:

The thriller "My Son" is another one of those English-language remakes directed by the same person who helmed the original, in this case French filmmaker Christian Carion, best known for the 2005 Oscar-nominated war drama "Joyeux Noel". However, unlike most remakes, in this case the original wasn't great, at least from what I've read online. In fact, the remake might just be a tad better.

In the first half, the film unfolds mostly like a minimalist psychological drama, but once it becomes apparent that something more sinister is afoot, the film beomes a "Taken" style thriller, minus the very particular set of skills. That means don't expect an action extravaganza. It's fairly grounded and realistic, playing for suspense, not flashy action set pieces. The plot, however, is thin and won't hold up to too much scrutiny.

James McAvoy is the film's driving force as the father desperately looking for his missing child, and it's made clear quickly that he will stop at nothing to find the boy. Apparently McAvoy wasn't given a script, only a brief backstory about his character, and the freedom to improvise his entire performance. That's a risky move, but I kind of like the idea. I love the intensity McAvoy brings to his roles, and in "My Son" he doesn't disappoint, always on edge, heart-wrenchingly emotional or bursting with raw anger.

Sadly, I was disappointed to see Claire Foy absolutely wasted in this. She's such a capable actor, but isn't given much to do here. Literally anyone could have played this role and the movie would be unchanged.

For all the dark things going on and McAvoy's best efforts, the film is strikingly unaffecting. It's watchable, but never reaches deep enough to make the viewer care. It is, however, gorgeously shot on location in the Scottish Highlands, which adds a layer of haunting beauty to the movie. All in all, "My Son" is a very middling thriller, which makes it perfect fodder for a streaming experience.

SCORE: 6/10