The Daughter

Running time: 96 mins

Cinequest Film Festival 2016 culminates with the United States Premiere of Simon Stone's beautiful and haunting The Daughter, which boasts an incredible ensemble cast including Academy Award winner Geoffrey Rush (Shine), Ewen Leslie (Sleeping Beauty), Paul Schneider (Lars and the Real Girl), Miranda Otto (The Lord of the Rings), Anna Torv (Fringe), Odessa Young (Wonderland), and Sam Neill (Jurassic Park). After a fifteen year absence, Christian (Schneider) returns home to New South Wales for what should be a celebration of his father Henry's (Rush) marriage to Anna (Torv). But, while reconnecting with childhood friend Oliver (Leslie), and getting to know his wife (Otto) and daughter (Young), Christian discovers a long-hidden family secret that causes upheaval and could potentially threaten both families. Their pasts are inescapable, and they must discover how those events will determine their futures. A contemporary adaptation of Ibsen's masterpiece (entitled The Wild Duck), Stone's masterful direction delivers unexpected turns and cinematic bravado. The Daughter shows why great writing is not only timeless but maintains universal relevance to modern people and society. Incredible performances and stellar cinematography complete an unforgettable experience. The Daughter is an extraordinary achievement in storytelling and an exciting discovery that will move and raise audiences to their feet. - Michael Rabehl Screening courtesy of Mongrel Media.