The Goldfinch is a crime, drama, family, friendship, psychological, and tragedy film, directed by John Crowley. The movie tells a story of loss, secrets, and redemption that revolves around the life of Theo, who lost his mother in a museum bombing when he was a child. The film features a complex narrative structure that jumps between Theo’s childhood and adult life, filled with unexpected twists and turns.
Synopsis
The movie starts with Theo (Ansel Elgort), who, as a child, visits a museum with his mother. While there, a bomb explodes, killing his mother and leaving him traumatized. In the chaos, Theo meets Pippa (Aimee Laurence) and Welty Blackwell (Robert Joy). Before dying, Welty tells Theo to take The Goldfinch painting and to find Hobie (Jeffrey Wright), a man who fixes antique furniture.
Theo moves in with the Barbour family, where he befriends Andy, the youngest member of the family. He also meets Pippa, who is taken away by her new guardian. Theo grows close to the family and learns a lot about the antiques business from Hobie. However, Theo’s life takes a turn for the worse when his estranged father comes back into his life and takes him away to Las Vegas to live with him and his girlfriend. Theo escapes and goes back to Hobie’s, but not before meeting Boris (Finn Wolfhard), a new friend who introduces Theo to drugs and a rougher lifestyle.
As an adult, Theo runs an antique store with Hobie and is engaged to Kitsey Barbour (Willa Fitzgerald), but he still suffers from the loss of his mother and the mental scars left by his time with his father and Boris. On top of that, a client of his accuses him of selling fake antiques, and he discovers that The Goldfinch painting he has kept safe all these years is a fake, having been switched by Boris a long time ago. The painting is now in the hands of a criminal and getting it back proves riskier than Theo anticipated.
Review
The Goldfinch is an intricate movie that explores the various themes of loss, love, guilt, betrayal, redemption, and the unpredictable nature of life. The movie is an excellent adaptation of Donna Tartt’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, thanks to the outstanding performance of the cast, especially Ansel Elgort as Theo. Elgort’s portrayal of Theo is stunning, showcasing the complex and layered character’s vulnerability and inner turmoil.
The pacing of the movie is a bit slow, but that’s because the story and characters need time to develop, and the plot takes time to unfold. The movie’s non-linear structure also adds to the complexity but gives the story unique depth, making the plot more engaging and thrilling.
The Goldfinch’s themes are universal and relatable, especially Theo’s struggles with grief and his desire for love and acceptance. The film displays how the events that happen in our lives can leave scars that persist throughout our lives, but also how finding purpose and people who care can help us heal and find redemption.
Conclusion
The Goldfinch is a stunning movie that offers a unique and emotional perspective on loss, love, and redemption. Its intricate plot, character development, and outstanding performances make it a movie that will touch the hearts of anyone who watches it. The movie’s themes are evergreen and will resonate with viewers of all ages and backgrounds. The Goldfinch is a movie that works on multiple levels and is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates finely crafted storytelling.
