Invoking comparisons to Mass and Our Friend, His Three Daughters may not be as good as those character-driven dramas, but it’s still a fantastic chamber piece that should spark award buzz around its stripped-down cast.

Katie, Christina, and Rachel (Carrie Coon, Elizabeth Olsen, Natasha Lyonne) are conflicted sisters who are reunited as they prepare for the passing of their ailing father (Jay O. Sanders). Rachel lives with Dad in a Chicago apartment complex, and has assisted him through his gradual deterioration with her friend Benji (Jovan Adepo). She allows her sisters to move in temporarily to care for their father, but their dysfunctional dynamics overtake the trauma. Katie’s concentration towards planning (which includes unfinished paperwork) creates pessimistic and uncomfortable standoffs, while Christina’s love for her kids isolates other family members who can’t relate. The sibling tension, along with the chip on Katie’s shoulder towards homebody Rachel, inevitably boils over; initiating a confessional atmosphere between the women.

There isn’t much style to Azazel Jacobs’ filmmaking, but the writer/director does capture the feeling of a personal homestead – the family apartment – transitioning into another identity.

Jacobs’ screenplay has so much feeling in the dialogue, which is then further showcased by his sensational cast. The performances strike a great balance with newly explored character work and what each actor brings to the table. Lyonne, for example, is given the chance to exhibit her fantastic dry wit while also balancing Rachel’s discouragement when she is being ganged up on.

While I began this review ranking the quality of His Three Daughters against similar dramas, Jacobs’ film is arguably more accessible than those other examples. While the premise is heavy and assures the viewer of a tragic third act, the movie finds moments to breathe with intimacy and slight humour. These moments may feel brief, but they greatly benefit this terrific movie.

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Addison Wylie: @AddisonWylie