Is National Theatre Live: The Father and the Assassin Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2024)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of National Theatre Live: The Father and the Assassin (2024), audiences are invited back into the world of Drama, History. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Mahatma Gandhi: lawyer, champion of non-violence, beloved leader. Nathuram Godse: journalist, nationalist – and the man who murdered Gandhi. This gripping play traces Godse’s life over 30 years during India’s fight for independence: from a devout follower of Gandhi, through to his radicalisation and their tragic final encounter in Delhi in 1948."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Unfortunately, Hiran Abeysekera feels underutilized in a role that lacks depth. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is National Theatre Live: The Father and the Assassin worth your time? If you appreciate Drama, History films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, National Theatre Live: The Father and the Assassin misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 130 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.