The Good Father

Hopkins is a middle-aged, middle-class, middle-minded man, impaled on the post-feminist hook. Having once been a subscriber to the cause, he has since been thrown out of his home, and pays alimony for the privilege of having his child turned against him. The worm turns and he embarks on a none-too-fair legal battle, in order to 'jerk her lead'. The early stages of this battle of the sexes are by turns hilarious and squirm-making, but Christopher Hampton's script finally opts for an uneasy truce, perhaps a soft option after the initial viciousness. But it's a very brave foray across the minefield; its detonations will have you ducking for cover, whatever your sex or persuasion. CPea.