Father Mother Sister Brother (Jim Jarmusch, 2025, United States/United Kingdom/Italy/France/Ireland/Germany)

Father Mother Sister Brother is the latest film from auteur Jim Jarmusch, his last since 2019’s zombie film The Dead Don’t Die. The film is something of a return to form for Jarmusch, a low-key exploration of family dynamics. Notably, Father Mother is an anthology film. The anthology film is something of a lost art, having lost much of its resonance in the era of prestige TV. After having a renaissance in the 90s indie era with the likes of Four Rooms, the anthology film has largely fallen out of favor with audiences. Generally, these films aren’t awarded or given the same accolades as traditional narrative films, so there is even less incentive to make them. It is perhaps telling that fashion brand Yves Saint Laurent is one of the main producers on the film, as an anthology film might be most suited toward a fashion brand.

Divided into three sections, Fathr Mother opens with a story of two adult children meeting their father, played by Tom Waits - a longtime Jarmusch player. The Mother section, which follows sees a similar story, albeit this time with two sisters visiting their mother. The third and final story showcases a pair of siblings in Paris who are handling the affairs of their recently deceased parents. This is a classic film where not much happens, and what actually happens is all going on in subtle moments, often easy to miss. Thankfully, it is carried through by some top-notch talent, including - among others - Adam Driver and Cate Blanchett.

Father Mother is an enjoyable, low-key watch, but will probably not enter the pantheon of all-time great Jarmusch films. It feels like the work of a director who is entering the last stage of his life and evaluating his legacy and returning to themes from the past.

6/10