Family Practice (original German title: Sohn meines Vaters, meaning My Father’s Son) is a 2018 Swiss drama directed and written by Jeshua Dreyfus. Blending family drama with dark comedy, the film explores complicated relationships, jealousy, emotional dependence, and the tensions hidden beneath an apparently unconventional family structure.
Starring Dimitri Stapfer, Katja Kolm, Dani Levy, and Sibylle Canonica, the story follows a young man whose complicated relationship with his father takes an unexpected turn when he becomes involved with his father’s mistress.
With its uncomfortable situations and provocative subject matter, the film offers an unusual look at family loyalty, generational conflict, and personal boundaries.
Movie Summary
Simon Kaufmann has a difficult relationship with his father, Karl, a successful Jewish psychiatrist whose unconventional approach to relationships creates tension within the family.
Simon has never felt comfortable with his father’s lifestyle or the expectations placed upon him. Their relationship is filled with resentment, unresolved conflicts, and a constant struggle for emotional independence.
When Simon’s parents go away on vacation, an unusual opportunity presents itself. He begins a seductive game of cat and mouse with Sonja, his father’s lover.
What initially appears to be a provocative personal experiment soon becomes much more complicated. Simon finds himself caught in a tangled web of family relationships, hidden desires, and conflicting loyalties.
As the situation develops, the boundaries between attraction, revenge, and emotional manipulation become increasingly difficult to distinguish.
The resulting conflict forces Simon to confront his complicated feelings toward his father and his own place within the family.
Star Cast
- Dimitri Stapfer as Simon Kaufmann – A young man struggling with his complicated relationship with his father and his own emotional identity.
- Katja Kolm as Sonja Brunner – Karl’s lover, who becomes involved in Simon’s provocative game.
- Dani Levy as Karl Kaufmann – Simon’s father, a psychiatrist whose unconventional relationships create tension within the family.
- Sibylle Canonica as Agnes Kaufmann – Simon’s mother, caught in the complicated dynamics of her marriage.
- Miriam Joya Strübel as Fabienne Schmid – A supporting character connected to Simon’s personal life.
- Morgane Ferru as Lilli Fehr – A supporting character.
- Georg Scharegg as Jean Graf – A supporting character.
- Michael Gempart as Uncle Freddy – A member of the extended family.
What Makes Family Practice Worth Watching?
1. An Unconventional Family Story
The film explores a family structure filled with unusual relationships, emotional contradictions, and competing expectations. Its premise challenges conventional ideas about loyalty and family responsibility.
2. A Complicated Father-Son Relationship
At its center is Simon’s struggle to understand and separate himself from his father. Their conflict gives the film much of its psychological depth.
3. Dark Humor and Provocative Situations
Rather than treating every conflict as traditional melodrama, the film uses uncomfortable encounters and ironic situations to explore its characters.
4. A Distinctive Swiss Cinema Perspective
Its restrained European storytelling and focus on interpersonal relationships make it an interesting choice for viewers who enjoy unconventional independent dramas.
Movie Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Movie Title | Family Practice |
| Original Title | Sohn meines Vaters |
| English Meaning | My Father’s Son |
| Release Year | 2018 |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Genre | Drama, Comedy |
| Director | Jeshua Dreyfus |
| Screenplay | Jeshua Dreyfus, Marcel Gisler |
| Main Cast | Dimitri Stapfer, Katja Kolm, Dani Levy, Sibylle Canonica |
| Language | German, Swiss German |
| Runtime | 89 minutes |
| Cinematography | Patrick Tresch |
| Music | Michael Künstle |
| Editor | Daniel Gibel |
| Production Company | TILT Production |
| World Premiere | November 28, 2018 |
| Swiss Theatrical Release | March 14, 2019 |
Where to Watch Family Practice (2018)
Availability may vary depending on your country and regional licensing agreements. Check local streaming services and digital movie rental or purchase catalogs for current viewing options.