Netflix’s most traumatic movie of the year is so much worse if you’re an only child

As an only child who has grown accustomed to the luxuries of being the center of attention, I must admit that Netflix’s latest emotional rollercoaster, His Three Daughters, has given me quite a reality check.


If you don’t have any siblings, Netflix’s latest tear-jerker, His Three Daughters, isn’t going to make you feel any better about your parents getting older. 

If you were raised as an only child, childhood was a cherished solitude. You never needed to share playthings; at Christmas and birthdays, all focus was on you with piles of gifts and cash-filled cards. Admittedly, there were times when you had to exceed your parents’ patience limits for both naughty and nice actions, but the benefits made it worthwhile.

Progressing into your adult phase, life seems less vibrant. All of a sudden, you receive brochures for care homes, and people are discussing wills and funeral plans. It’s a grim scenario, but life in your twenties isn’t much brighter. The twist? You’ll be the one left to navigate this additional sadness.

As I navigate through the digital world of gaming, it often strikes me with an uncanny sense of familiarity – much like a sleepwalker stumbling upon their kitchen without recalling the journey there. The numbers on the calendar keep inching closer to 60 for my parents, and my grandparents are comfortably settled in their 80s. Time seems to be marching steadily forward, leaving behind an undeniable weight that settles onto my shoulders – a reminder of the unstoppable tide of aging.

Watching His Three Daughters on Netflix, I found myself deeply moved by the strong bond between the three sisters supporting their father during his final days. It hit me suddenly, a personal revelation: while their lives were far from perfect, they had each other to lean on. Yet, here I am, with no one to share such moments – and that thought has been more chilling than any horror movie I’ve seen in recent memory.

His Three Daughters is a wake-up call for anyone with no siblings 

Let me tell you straight up, watching His Three Daughters can be quite a challenge. I mean, Katie (Carrie Coon) is a mom who’s about to snap from stress, Rachel (Natasha Lyonne) is this pot-smoking gal who’s always with dad, and Christina (Elizabeth Olsen) seems to silently bear it all while striving for peace. And the tension? It’s like a constant echo inside one small apartment – never leaving, never fading.

In New York, space for living is scarce, and finding a tranquil place to pass away seems almost impossible. Director Azazel Jacobs explained, “You become aware of something terrible happening, and then there comes a time when dread turns into anticipation. That transition can feel very odd, especially when every minute matters because it might be the last minute someone has left.

“At the same time, you’ve stepped out of your whole life.”

Netflix’s most traumatic movie of the year is so much worse if you’re an only child

That last sentence perfectly described the daze I sat in for at least half an hour after the movie ended. Jacobs has given me the wake-up call I didn’t even know I needed. I stepped out of my life as Jasmine a little while ago, giving way to my life as “daughter.”

Is it the correct choice? No. Will it still occur? Yes. Unlike my sisters, I don’t have shared illusions, frivolous selfies, or reconciliations following years of conflict to sustain me. I’m in this alone. If I ever find myself pushing my own father into his living room to watch soccer one last time, there’s no one to assist me.

Watching this is a heart-wrenching experience, and I can’t help but empathize with other solitary viewers who might settle in for an enjoyable streaming event, unaware of the heavy themes they’ll encounter. Jacobs skillfully portrays the inevitable demise scene, yet it’s the poignant climax that seems to reach out beyond the confines of the story, inviting a sense of shared vulnerability and reflection.

The girls get a chance to listen to all that their father wanted them to know before he passed away – a moment that many long for. This scene is surprising, comprehensive, and sincere, honoring those who didn’t have their own such moment. In other words, it could be seen as my source of hope.

Starting September 20th, you’ll be able to stream “His Three Daughters” on Netflix – a thrilling addition to your watchlist! Keep an eye out for updates on seasons 6 of Virgin River, 5 of Stranger Things, and 3 of Heartstopper as well. And don’t forget to check out the latest movies joining our streaming lineup this month! I can hardly wait myself!

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2024-09-21 11:18