A thriller simply cannot run on the basis of a gimmick (of its protagonist mouthing totally improvised dialogue) - it needs a plot and neatly packaged twists & turns to keep viewers invested. My Son starts off with interesting what-ifs and frame choices. But writer-director Christian Carion struggles to develop well-rounded characters or convey a coherent story. The tension is practically non-existent after the opening scene. The thrills are absent. The biggest disappointment, however, is that Carion settles for an extremely weak finale - one that undoes all of its initial intrigue. Plot points are barely touched upon and conveniently brushed aside, while the antagonists are poorly etched. McAvoy tries. He definitely tries. But the film can't stand on its own two feet because of the bland, powerless writing.
Review of My Son
