Watch Anner House
- NR
- 2007
- 1 hr 22 min
-
6.9 (55)
Anner House is a haunting family drama film released in 2007. The movie revolves around a dysfunctional family whose members come together after the tragic death of their patriarch. It is directed by Michael Keegan-Dolan and has an all-star cast, including Liam Cunningham, Flora Montgomery, Conor Mullen, and Amrain Ismail-Essop. The story of Anner House begins with the revelation of the tragic death of a wealthy patriarch, William Anner. Following his demise, his estranged family members gather at the titular Anner House, a sprawling property located in the Irish countryside. The family members, who have not seen each other in years, are forced to confront their troubled past and current problems as they try to settle the late patriarch's affairs.
At the center of the family is William's eldest son, Tom (Liam Cunningham). Tom has a troubled relationship with his father and harbors deep resentment towards him. He is also having difficulties maintaining his marriage, and his relationship with his wife, Claire (Flora Montgomery), is strained. Despite his flaws, Tom tries to hold the family together as they deal with the aftermath of William's death.
Daniel Anner (Conor Mullen) is William's youngest son and is the polar opposite of Tom. Daniel is optimistic and cheerful, even in the wake of his father's death. He wants to keep the Anner House and preserve his family's legacy. However, his ideas are met with opposition, and he has to deal with his siblings' bitterness and resentment.
The Anner sisters, Maggie (Amrain Ismail-Essop) and Alice (Dawn Bradfield), are also present in the film. Maggie is a self-righteous social worker who stopped speaking to her father years ago. Alice is a black sheep, and her presence only adds to the already tense atmosphere in the house.
As the family members gather, secrets are revealed, and old wounds are reopened. The Anner House becomes a battleground, as the family members struggle to come to terms with their past and present, even as they attempt to move on from William's death.
One of the most notable aspects of Anner House is the haunting, atmospheric setting. The film takes place almost entirely within the mansion, which reinforces the idea of the family's isolation from the outside world. The sprawling hallways, creaking floors, and long shadows lend the film an eerie, almost dreamlike quality.
The performances in Anner House are also outstanding. Liam Cunningham, in particular, delivers a compelling performance as the troubled Tom Anner. His portrayal of a man struggling with his own demons and trying to hold his family together is both nuanced and layered. Flora Montgomery, as Tom's wife Claire, gives a performance that is both vulnerable and powerful.
The film deals with themes of grief, regret, and family dysfunction. It explores how family members cope with trauma and how past actions have consequences that last long into the future. The Anner family is dysfunctional, with secrets and grudges that have been simmering for years. Still, the film never feels exploitative or melodramatic in its exploration of their struggles. Instead, it is a poignant and emotional story about the complexities of family relationships.
In conclusion, Anner House is a haunting family drama film that tackles themes of grief, regret, and family dysfunction with sensitivity and grace. The performances are outstanding, and the setting adds an eerie, almost dreamlike quality to the story. This film is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys emotionally resonant character-driven dramas.