Jonathan Kieran

I enjoy a frantic, big-budget, explosive action thriller (e.g. Jason Bourne, Missions Impossible, etc.) as much as the next guy, but, due to my sophisticated nature and an imagination balanced precariously between the (slightly) twisted and the resplendent, I crave cinematic elegance and intrigue from time to time.

To wit: THE ETERNAL DAUGHTER is a striking, atmospheric, and deliciously English gothic study of the fretful relationship between doting daughter and aging mother … set in a brooding, fog-swept, mysterious manor house in the modern-day English countryside. Best of all, the film features the enigmatic Tilda Swinton playing dual roles (just guess) and succeeding with admirable artistry.

The film is a curious but evocative slow-burn and harbors a twist that prevents me from revealing even a hint of the plot, but if you are moody and your house is being doused by incessant winter rains, like mine, this secret delight-of-a-film might entrance you … or put you to sleep. 50/50 chance.

Yet, the piece is well done and worthy of a watch. Let’s face it: Tilda Swinton rarely disappoints and even more rarely chooses poor celluloid projects. She is riveting and powerful in this film, which makes a potential streaming rental price well-worth it … if you enjoy smoldering movies set in the spooky English countryside. I have a sense that this was filmed in the Chilterns. Just a sense. One of a dwindling number of idyllic havens still worth a proverbial salt in dear England. Hell, even Ellen and Portia couldn’t handle the moors. (No pun intended.)

Watch this movie and think of what England used to be, pretends it still is, but absolutely isn’t. Tilda is a tour-de-force by nature. She’ll make you believe.

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[ THE WEDNESDAY BOX, a dark fable by Jonathan Kieran is slated for international release April 28, 2026 ]

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