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The Eternal Daughter 2022
Directed by
Joanna Hogg
Made by
A24
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Eternal Daughter (2022). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Middle-aged filmmaker Julie Hart takes her elderly mother, Rosalind Hart, to a remote and seemingly deserted hotel. With the recent passing of her father weighing heavily on her, Julie hopes to bond with her mother while exploring the possibility of creating a film about her life. Enveloped in a mysterious fog, this hotel serves as a former family residence for Rosalind, who begins to recount painful episodes from her past at this location, such as a heartbreaking miscarriage and the death of a loved one during World War II.
As these memories resurface, Julie starts to question the wisdom of revisiting such sorrow, yet Rosalind reassures her that these moments should not burden her. The hotel, once a venue of joy, still holds cherished memories for Rosalind amidst the pain. One evening, when Julie returns to their room, she discovers that their beloved dog has vanished. In a panic, she searches the grounds and calls upon Bill Mydell, a hotel employee, for assistance. Rosalind eventually comes back to find the dog sitting innocently on the bed, leading her to express gratitude to Bill. They share a drink together and connect over their mutual loss—Julie’s father and Bill’s late wife.
The next day, Julie inadvertently overhears Rosalind confiding in Bill, expressing pity for Julie’s situation since she has no children and dedicates all her attention to her mother. On the occasion of Rosalind’s birthday, Julie goes to great lengths to prepare a special dinner. However, when Rosalind claims she is not hungry, it triggers an emotional response from Julie. She reveals her struggle with happiness in the face of her mother’s unhappiness and her profound fears about the future, particularly regarding her lack of children to care for her in her old age. As she brings out a birthday cake, her tears unveil a heartbreaking truth: she is alone at the table, and her mother has already passed away.
The following day, with a heavy heart, Julie immerses herself in writing her screenplay and prepares to leave the hotel. Just as she departs, the once-quiet establishment reveals itself to be bustling with guests and staff. The hotel receptionist appears to have a genuine concern for Julie’s well-being, but she receives reassurance from Bill that helps her secure a taxi. As she drives away, the dense fog that shrouded the hotel begins to dissipate, symbolizing the hope of moving forward despite the grief.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Eternal Daughter (2022) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Julie Takes Her Mother to the Hotel
Middle-aged filmmaker Julie takes her elderly mother Rosalind to a remote hotel, which serves as a former family residence. The journey is motivated by Julie's desire to bond with her mother and explore creating a film about Rosalind's life amidst the backdrop of their recent loss.
Memories Resurface
As they settle into the hotel, Rosalind begins to share painful memories from her past, including a miscarriage and the loss of a loved one during World War II. These recollections create a somber atmosphere, prompting Julie to question whether revisiting such sorrow is wise.
The Dog Goes Missing
One evening, Julie returns to their room and discovers their beloved dog has vanished. In a state of panic, she frantically searches the hotel grounds and enlists the help of Bill, a hotel employee, to assist her in finding the pet.
The Dog is Found
Rosalind eventually arrives back to find the dog sitting innocently on the bed. This revelation leads her to express her gratitude to Bill for his assistance, strengthening their connection through shared experiences of loss.
Rosalind's Confession
The next day, Julie inadvertently overhears Rosalind confiding in Bill about her concerns for Julie. Rosalind expresses pity for her daughter, noting her dedication to caring for her without any children of her own to support her.
Preparing for Rosalind's Birthday
On the occasion of Rosalind’s birthday, Julie puts forth great effort to prepare a special dinner for her mother. This demonstration of love and care comes from Julie's desire to create a joyful moment amidst their sorrowful surroundings.
An Emotional Exchange
When Rosalind claims she is not hungry, Julie's emotional response reveals her inner turmoil. She opens up about her struggles with happiness in the face of her mother's sorrow, voicing her fears regarding her future and loneliness.
The Heartbreaking Truth
As Julie brings out a birthday cake, her tears highlight a profound realization: she feels alone, sitting at the table amidst the celebration while grappling with the truth that her mother has already passed away. This moment encapsulates the weight of her grief and isolation.
Writing the Screenplay
The following day, burdened by her emotions, Julie immerses herself in writing her screenplay. This act serves as a form of catharsis and a way to channel her experiences into creativity, even as she prepares to leave the hotel.
Departure from the Hotel
As Julie prepares to leave, the hotel transforms from a seemingly deserted place to one bustling with life. This shift symbolizes a newfound clarity in her emotional state as she transitions towards healing after the grief she has endured.
Bill Offers Reassurance
Before Julie departs, the hotel receptionist expresses genuine concern for her well-being. Bill steps in to reassure Julie, thereby highlighting their developing friendship and mutual understanding as they both navigate loss.
Driving Away from Grief
As Julie drives away from the hotel, the thick fog that once enveloped the establishment begins to lift. This imagery serves as a metaphor for potential healing and hope on the horizon, suggesting a move toward acceptance and renewal in her life.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Eternal Daughter (2022) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Julie Hart (Tilda Swinton)
Julie is a middle-aged filmmaker deeply affected by her father's passing. She seeks connection with her mother while fearing the weight of unresolved emotions. Her journey through the hotel reflects her inner turmoil, as she grapples with loneliness and the pressure of familial obligations.
Rosalind Hart (Tilda Swinton)
Rosalind is Julie’s elderly mother, marked by painful memories and past traumas. As she navigates her own grief, her relationship with Julie evolves, revealing the complexities of their bond. Rosalind's strength and vulnerability establish her as a pivotal figure in the narrative.
Bill (Joseph Mydell)
Bill is a hotel employee who connects with Julie and Rosalind through shared experiences of loss. His understanding and compassion provide a crucial support system during their stay, highlighting the importance of connection in the face of sorrow.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Eternal Daughter (2022), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Post-World War II
The movie's events echo the aftermath of World War II, a time marked by personal loss and emotional healing. As Rosalind recalls her past, the historical context enriches the narrative, highlighting the lingering effects of grief and trauma that many faced during this period. It reflects on how the scars of war can influence personal relationships across generations.
Location
Remote Hotel
The remote hotel serves as a significant backdrop for the film, once a family residence filled with memories. This seemingly deserted location evokes a sense of nostalgia and mystery, as it holds both joyful and painful recollections for Rosalind. The hotel, wrapped in a dense fog, mirrors the emotional weight carried by the characters.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Eternal Daughter (2022). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Loss
The theme of loss permeates the narrative, showcasing how personal grief can shape familial bonds. Julie's struggles with her mother's past traumas, combined with her own feelings of loneliness, illustrate the complexities of familial love and the weight of sorrow. Each character navigates their anguish differently, revealing the multifaceted nature of loss.
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Memory
Memory plays a crucial role in shaping the characters' experiences, as Rosalind's recollections bring both nostalgia and heartache. It highlights the importance of remembering loved ones, even as those memories stir painful emotions. The hotel becomes a canvas for these memories, where joy and sorrow coexist.
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Hope
Amidst the fog and sorrow, the theme of hope emerges strongly as Julie grapples with her feelings of isolation and fear of the future. The gradual clearing of the fog symbolizes the possibility of moving forward, despite the shadows of the past. It suggests that healing is possible, even when enveloped by grief.
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