Watch Father's Affair

Father's Affair is a Dutch drama film directed by Maarten Treurniet that premiered in 2003. It tells the story of a man named Alex (played by Peter Paul Muller) who discovers his father has been leading a double life for many years. The film begins with Alex, a successful lawyer in his early thirties, receiving a strange phone call from his mother, who asks him to come over immediately. When he arrives, his mother tells him that his father (played by Ad van Kempen) has been admitted to the hospital and is in critical condition. She also reveals that she has found evidence of his infidelity, which has been going on for over two decades.

Alex is shocked by the news and initially refuses to believe it. He confronts his father, who admits to having several affairs throughout his marriage. Alex is deeply hurt and angry, but he also feels a sense of empathy for his father, who he realizes has been unhappy for most of his life.

As the story unfolds, Alex learns more about his father's secret life, including his relationships with two other women, played by Halina Reijn and Carice van Houten. He also discovers that his mother (played by Anneke Blok) has known about the affairs for many years, but chose to keep silent.

As Alex investigates his father's past, he begins to understand the complexity of human relationships and the toll that secrets can take on a person's mental and emotional well-being. He also comes to realize that his own beliefs about love and fidelity are more fluid than he initially thought.

The performances in Father's Affair are all excellent, particularly Muller's portrayal of a man struggling to understand his father's actions without losing his own sense of integrity. The film's pacing is deliberate but not slow, allowing the audience to become fully immersed in the story.

Overall, Father's Affair is a thought-provoking film that explores the themes of love, betrayal, and forgiveness in a nuanced and sensitive way. While it may not be for everyone, those who appreciate a good drama will find much to enjoy in this Dutch gem.