Freud’s Last Session is a story of an imagined potential encounter between two academics. As World War II began, Dr. Sigmund Freud (Anthony Hopkins) had long since established himself as the creator of psychoanalysis. At age 83, Freud seeks intellectual debate and thus invites author C.S. Lewis (Matthew Goode) for a conversation. Lewis, already a leading scholar on history, was now dabbling in fiction. Freud, a devout atheist, becomes struck by Lewis’ blending of fantasy and Christian doctrine in his early works. He has a desire to question Lewis’ beliefs and reconcile how such a clearly intelligent author has been “duped” by the notion of God. As the two engage over several hours, they playfully challenge each other’s philosophies, moral code, and practicing what one preaches. Through discourse the men try to find common ground through mutual respect and curiosity.
What works in Freud’s Last Session are the duelling performances of Hopkins and Goode. Each presents their iconic historical figure with grace and dignity. With each moment on screen, they encapsulate two men constantly thinking and perhaps overanalyzing. Freud remarks in the film that the things left unsaid are often more interesting than the notions people share out loud. In this regard, the expressive reactions during the conversation are just as amusing as the dialogue itself. Freud’s Last Session is almost like a game of chess between two fundamentally opposed titans. But it’s really the human moments—the jokes and the civil ribbing—where Freud’s Last Session is the most engaging.
RELATED: What to Watch This Weekend – May December
Audiences yearning for a deep analysis and debate of philosophy and religion may not enjoy Freud’s Last Session as much as others. As entertaining as the lead characters are, the truncated runtime and script do not allow for depth. The narrative attempts a lot of heavy lifting within 2 hours and perhaps tries to tackle too many topics. Freud’s Last Session not only covers on the two men’s chat, but also attempts to weave in elements from their past and other tangential relationships. A prime example of this is the inclusion of Sigmund’s daughter Anna (Liv Lisa Fries). Anna’s story as the founder of psychoanalytic child psychology and her own struggles with sexual identity in her father’s shadow could be its own film. Instead, it feels shoehorned into this movie with only weak bonds to the primary debate. As such, some audiences might wish either that the story had been stretched out over more time, or that it focused itself a bit more.
Freud’s Last Session features a lot of on-screen talent performing at a high level. Goode and Hopkins bring both charisma and a sharpness that will easily remind audiences of their real-life counterparts. Unfortunately, for some the lack of depth may prove frustrating.
Recommended if you Enjoyed: The Two Popes, The Sunset Limited
Freud’s Last Session is now available in limited release in select theaters.
FOR FANBOYS, BY FANBOYS
Have you checked out LRM Online’s official podcasts and videos on The Genreverse Podcast Network? Available on YouTube and all your favorite podcast apps, This multimedia empire includes The Daily CoG, Breaking Geek Radio: The Podcast, GeekScholars Movie News, Anime-Versal Review Podcast, and our Star Wars dedicated podcast The Cantina. Check it out by listening on all your favorite podcast apps, or watching on YouTube!
Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Google Play
