KSL Movie Show review: ‘His Three Daughters’ is a rare gem

Editor’s note: This is an editorial piece. An editorial, like a news article, is based on fact but also shares opinions. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and are not associated with our newsroom.

SALT LAKE CITY — I have greatly admired the work of these three actors for a long time now: Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne and Elizabeth Olsen.

So when I heard they were going to play estranged sisters forced to come together to take care of their terminally ill father, I gulped because I knew it would be a heavy subject. But I also knew that as long as the words were on the page, they would be brilliant. It was an easy bet. They were that and more.

Not many people would think, hey, wouldn’t it be fun to make a hospice movie? No, because if you didn’t do it right, it could be melodramatic, over-the-top or just plain dumb.

But I knew the work of director Azazel Jacobs since he made a dark comedy-drama a few years back called “French Exit” with Michelle Pfeiffer and Lucas Hedges. It was haunting and excellent. I knew then that “His Three Daughters” would be in good hands.

Related: KSL Movie Show review: ‘You Gotta Believe’ is cheesy, but filled with heart

It’s a pretty simple story featuring very complex characters — you know — like life.

If you just rolled your eyes or you think you’re not in the mood, skip it. But if you’re still intrigued, read on.

Katie (Carrie Coon), Rachel (Natasha Lyonne) and Christina (Elizabeth Olsen) all have the same father, Vinnie, who lives in New York City. I’ll let the film tell you what that means.

As the oldest, Katie is the overly aggressive controller. She lives nearby but hasn’t been around much. She has her own family including a teenage daughter who tries her patience on a daily basis. She’s frazzled and upset with Rachel for smoking too much pot in the house, having soft apples in the fridge and living a bohemian lifestyle as a professional gambler.

Rachel is about as easy-going as possible, but she has been taking care of Dad for the past few years on her own, living with him, hanging out and watching TV. Whatever he needs, she’s there.

Christina is the youngest. She’s like Switzerland, being the peacemaker between Katie and Rachel. She appears to have an idyllic life thousands of miles away, with a new daughter Mirabella who is just adorable. She does yoga in the mornings and expresses her feelings easily, unlike the other two. She is also deeply emotional but tries to hold it in check, sometimes unsuccessfully.

More from the KSL Movie Show: ‘Reagan’ is a mixed-bag biopic

Then they have a hospice professional, whose name is Angel (Rudy Galvan). He’s there to try to prepare the sisters for what’s about to take place. He’s fairly matter-of-fact, since he’s been through this many times over the years, but tries to be sympathetic to what the ladies are going through.

What’s priceless about this movie is the realistic, petty bickering at one point and the deep-felt conversations at another. You really feel the tensions between these very different women, but that’s also why it is so brilliantly awkward.

This is one of those rare gems that, for the right audience, can be a game changer. We’ve all had to deal with or may have to deal with a similar situation. I promise that you will recall this movie in those moments — it’s that impactful.

“His Three Daughters” (A) Rated R for language and drug use. Starring Natasha Lyonne, Elizabeth Olsen, Carrie Coon and Jay O. Sanders. Written and directed by Azazel Jacobs (“French Exit” “The Lovers”) – filmed in New York City. Running time: 101 minutes.

The KSL Movie Show with Andy Farnsworth and Steve Salles airs Fridays on KSL NewsRadio from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Follow the show on Facebook, and join The KSL Movie Show Club for exclusive perks by texting MOVIE to 57500. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Message frequency varies.