The Synopsis:
A boy in New York is taken in by a wealthy Upper East Side family after his mother is killed in a bombing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The Review:
A young Theo (Oakes Fegley) and his mom visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art; the story that follows is the aftermath of a bombing that takes place during that trip, during which a famous Rembrandt, The Goldfinch, is lost. The Goldfinch follows an older Theo (Ansel Elgort) as he attempts to recover from the loss of his mother, following his relationships with a new, wealthy family who may love and accept him, an absent father, and a friendly furniture restorer.
Theo’s relationships are turned upside down when a friend from the past reveals a transgression that intersects both of their shame. What if the works of hundreds of people were destroyed by you? What would you do to make up for it? Is it enough?
The Goldfinch dives headfirst into loss and grief and how it affects a person long term. What do you do when you’ve lost everything you love? Who do you turn to? What do you hold on to? Opposite the film’s lies and betrayal, viewers find beauty in art, furniture, and history.
Overall, The Goldfinch is a realistic look into the effects of trauma and the damage of immoral behavior. The consequences of actions are clearly seen. On the downside, the frequent and disturbing scenes involving crude language, drugs, and violence are not Dove-Approved.
