A chilling and atmospheric thriller that viewers describe as impossible to forget is set to captivate audiences on BBC2 this evening. The film, titled The Eternal Daughter, features the acclaimed actress Tilda Swinton in a remarkable dual performance, playing both mother and daughter roles in a Gothic ghost story that has garnered widespread critical and fan acclaim.
A Haunting Tale of Memory and Grief
Released in 2022, The Eternal Daughter follows filmmaker Julie and her elderly mother, Rosalind, as they visit a remote, mist-shrouded hotel that was once Rosalind's childhood home. Julie aims to understand her mother better for a film project, but their stay unravels long-buried secrets, forcing them to confront painful memories, profound grief, and the intricate dynamics of their mother-daughter relationship. The narrative is shot with poignant sensitivity, creating an immersive experience that delves into themes of loss and emotional resolution.
Critical Acclaim and Fan Reactions
The film has achieved an impressive score of 95% on the popular review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its strong reception. Fans have flooded the platform with praise, highlighting its emotional depth and artistic execution. One five-star review noted, "This is not a horror story but rather a sweet and haunting treatise on the panoply of emotions brought to consciousness with the death of a parent: guilt, sadness, anger, and acceptance." The reviewer emphasised that the film avoids traditional horror tropes, instead offering a dreamlike exploration of regret, love, and the human desire for reconciliation.
Another viewer commented on the psychological realism of the story, stating, "This movie is otherworldly and intently focused on psychological realities. Tilda Swinton's portrayal of the Mum and Daughter was masterful, showing a very different aspect of her talent." They added that the film is deeply moving, effectively conveying the sorrow and loss experienced by the daughter as she grapples with her past in the familial setting.
Atmosphere and Performance
Critics and audiences alike have applauded the Gothic atmosphere of The Eternal Daughter, describing it as creepy and haunting without relying on conventional scares. A fan remarked, "Beautifully acted and filmed in a Gothic setting... the backdrop of a horror film... but no horror... merely a dreamscape of regret, love, and the desire to get it right." This subtle approach allows the film to pack an emotive punch, particularly in its concluding scenes, which hint at optimism and mental clarity as the fog lifts metaphorically and literally.
Tilda Swinton's performance has been singled out as outstanding, with her ability to embody two distinct characters adding layers of complexity to the narrative. Her dual role showcases her versatility, moving beyond action-packed sequences to focus on nuanced emotional interactions. As one review summarised, "Wonderful, subtle film. This isn't about big dramatic moments or winding plots, but the intricate emotional interactions of a woman and her daughter in a place that holds meaning for them."
Broadcast Details
The Eternal Daughter airs tonight, Friday, January 23, on BBC2 at 11pm. This broadcast offers viewers a chance to experience a film that has been celebrated for its artistic merit and its powerful exploration of universal themes, making it a must-watch for fans of thought-provoking cinema.
