A cult/hostage thriller about two kidnappers and their captive, who are forced to play a bizarre family game. The film opens with a young woman being chased by a pickup truck and is later kidnapped by the two people inside, who are wearing gas masks. The movie is shot on 16mm film and has long takes, giving it a sense of mystery.
The kidnappers self-identify as Father and Mother and their captive is called Daughter. Father chains Daughter up in his garage and explains to her that his son needs a sibling for two years, and she must fulfill her familial obligations. Mother reassures Daughter in Vietnamese, and their early conversation helps to establish the film's unsettling mood.
Father establishes generic expectations and ground rules and tells his son that the world outside is sick. Mother encourages Daughter to go along to get along, and Son tries to please Father. Daughter and Son collaborate on a play for his birthday, which creates a strange contest of wills.
The film pays increasing attention to Daughter's attempts to influence her surrogate Brother through their play. The cast does well, with Ngô standing out, especially in scenes with Dinh's Mother. Van Dien takes on the most thankless role and does well as a rage case nutball.
The film has some promise, and Dinh and Ngo are probably the two best reasons to watch. However, spending so much time with Father can be a bit like being trapped on a road trip with a driver who monologues breathlessly. The ending is bitter and unsatisfying, making "Daughter" a long runway to a steep cliff.
The kidnappers self-identify as Father and Mother and their captive is called Daughter. Father chains Daughter up in his garage and explains to her that his son needs a sibling for two years, and she must fulfill her familial obligations. Mother reassures Daughter in Vietnamese, and their early conversation helps to establish the film's unsettling mood.
Father establishes generic expectations and ground rules and tells his son that the world outside is sick. Mother encourages Daughter to go along to get along, and Son tries to please Father. Daughter and Son collaborate on a play for his birthday, which creates a strange contest of wills.
The film pays increasing attention to Daughter's attempts to influence her surrogate Brother through their play. The cast does well, with Ngô standing out, especially in scenes with Dinh's Mother. Van Dien takes on the most thankless role and does well as a rage case nutball.
The film has some promise, and Dinh and Ngo are probably the two best reasons to watch. However, spending so much time with Father can be a bit like being trapped on a road trip with a driver who monologues breathlessly. The ending is bitter and unsatisfying, making "Daughter" a long runway to a steep cliff.