The Absentee

A slow, earnest silent melodrama that unfolds with patient warmth, trading on separation and reunion rather than spectacle.

Directed by

Albert Capellani

Genres

Drama

Starring

Henri Étiévant, Henri Rollan, Jeanne Grumbach

Overview

Dries, a farmer and a widower, lives with his mother-in-law Grietje and his son Peter. He falls in love with Minna, a widow, and marries her despite the opposition of his family and friends. In anger his son Peter leaves home to enlist, while Grietje takes up her residence in another cottage. Six years pass, during which Grietje becomes acquainted with Minna's daughter Dina. Peter falls ill in Sumatra, but after falling in love with Dina, through the medium of photographs, he recovers and is drafted home again to Holland. He meets Dina and the two find that they truly love.

How it feels

Melancholic, earnest, warm and romantic. Slow-burning and needs your attention.

About

Family, love, isolation, betrayal

Content

Mild violence. No gore, sexual content or swearing.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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