If you don’t have any siblings, Netflix’s latest emotional drama, His Three Daughters, isn’t likely to ease the burden of watching your parents age.
For many who grew up as an only child, childhood was often idyllic—no sharing of toys, all eyes on you during Christmas, and birthday cards filled with cash. Sure, navigating your parents’ expectations and tolerance was challenging, but those rewards made it worthwhile.
However, as you transition into adulthood, the situation can shift significantly. Suddenly, your parents are aging, care home brochures flood your mailbox, and discussions about wills and funeral plans become more frequent. This isn’t just bleak; it’s a reality many twentysomethings face. The troubling part? You may find yourself managing these challenging emotions alone.
I frequently encounter this stark realization, akin to waking up in the kitchen without recalling how I got there. With my parents nearing 60 and my grandparents in their 80s, the inevitability of aging weighs heavily on my shoulders.
This was the thought that struck me while watching His Three Daughters—the new Netflix film that depicts three sisters coming together in their father’s final days. While none of the sisters lead perfect lives, they have each other for support. In contrast, I find myself alone, which feels scarier than any horror flick I’ve seen recently.
His Three Daughters is a wake-up call for those without siblings
Make no mistake—viewing His Three Daughters isn’t an easy experience. Katie (played by Carrie Coon) is a frazzled mother on the edge, Rachel (Natasha Lyonne) is a stoner who has never left her father’s side, and Christina (Elizabeth Olsen) quietly compensates to maintain harmony. The film unfolds in a single apartment, where tension hangs heavily.
Set in New York, the living space is constricted, which complicates the family’s struggle to find peace amid impending loss. Director Azazel Jacobs conveyed, “You know that something you dread is about to occur, and at some point, that dread shifts to waiting. It’s a peculiar transition when you know that each minute may be someone’s last.”
“Simultaneously, you’ve stepped out of your entire life.”
This sentiment resonated with me profoundly for at least half an hour post-viewing. Jacobs gifted me the awakening I didn’t realize I needed. I had previously stepped away from my identity as Jasmine, embracing my role as “daughter.”
Is this the right choice? Probably not. Is it happening regardless? Absolutely. Unlike the sisters in the film, I lack shared memories, playful selfies, or a history of reconciliations to lean on. If the time comes for me to wheel my father into the living room for one last soccer match, I will do it without help.
This film is a poignant experience, and I already feel sympathy for other unsuspecting only children who may sit down to enjoy an evening of streaming only to confront their own suppressed fears. Jacobs artfully captures the inevitable death scene, which becomes a vital emotional fulcrum for the narrative.
In a profound moment, the sisters learn everything their father wished they had known before his passing—a poignant experience many of us yearn for. It’s an unanticipated, heartfelt moment that resonates with those who haven’t had the chance for closure with loved ones. Perhaps this is the thread of hope I can grasp amidst my uncertainty.
His Three Daughters is available for streaming on Netflix as of September 20. For more updates, check out Netflix’s latest on Virgin River Season 6, Stranger Things Season 5, and Heartstopper Season 3. Don’t forget to explore new movies available this month as well.
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