“Dad, Mom, Brother, Sister” — that would be the most literal translation of the title. Three short stories, each featuring close relatives talking about something and expressively keeping silent about something else. Jarmusch’s cinematic poetry is built precisely out of this — talking about nothing and remaining silent about what truly matters.
“This is not a film about a generational gap or, heaven forbid, conflict. Father Mother Sister Brother is a quiet meditation on family as the only effective cure for loneliness. It may be bitter, expired, and full of side effects, but in most cases it works. Though perhaps it’s nothing more than a placebo, a fantasy. As the film reminds us, some Native American tribes consider the best remedy for any illness to be simple, clean water.”
— Anton Dolin
🏆 Golden Lion, Venice Film Festival
