NanaOsei’s review published on Letterboxd:
I truly am in awe of what has been accomplished here. Where Sound of Metal uses incredible sound production to build character connection to the viewer, Hopkins's performance is what drops you in the middle of his psyche.
In this film, you are inside the fragmented mind of Anthony. You are at the forefront, not just watching but experiencing a man falling apart, losing himself. Its quiet horrifying and heartbreaking to say the least. Florian Zeller brilliantly uses the flat/house and the spaces within as a metaphor for Anthony's brain. We see its shape shifting from time to time in form. Just like Anthony, we are not entirely sure at times if its his flat anymore. Not sure if his brain belongs to him anymore. Near the end, there is a shot of the flat, empty. It is at that point that we know Anthony's mind is gone. Completely deteriorated beyond repair.
Hopkins's performance is transcendental. Knowing both character and actor have the same name, the lines between actor and character is blurred. One might wonder if the actor himself is going through it. That is how meta he is in this. A GOAT performance for sure.
The trials and tribulations of shouldering responsibility for a relative with mental illness are perfectly highlighted. You're watching someone you love fade away piece by piece, like leaves dropping, never to regrow again. All time and effort is dedicated to this person resulting in fractured relationships and wasted opportunities. Olivia Coleman delivers a phenomenally heartbreaking performance.
Florian Zeller has created something special here. In a year of great directorial debuts, this one stands very tall.