A drama film described as “absorbing” and “special” is streaming now in the UK. Starring Gillian Anderson and Martin Compston, Sister follows 12-year-old Simon, who is living with his older sister Louise in an impoverished housing complex below a luxury Swiss ski resort.
Simon provides for the duo by stealing ski gear from tourists and reselling it in the valley, while his relationship with Louise becomes increasingly strained as she struggles to hold down a job and frequently leaves Simon alone to fend for himself.
Directed and co-written by Ursula Meier, the film won the Silver Bear award at the 62nd Berlin International Film Festival, and was selected as the Swiss entry for the Best Foreign Language Oscar at the 85th Academy Awards.
Who’s in Sister?
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• Léa Seydoux as Louise
• Kacey Mottet Klein as as Simon
• Gillian Anderson as Kristin
• Martin Compston as Mike
• Jean-François Stévenin as Cook
• Yann Trégouët as Bruno
What did critics say about Sister?
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Sister was acclaimed by critics upon its theatrical release in 2012, with Rotten Tomatoes reporting a near-perfect approval rating of 97% from 71 reviews. In the site’s critical consensus, it was dubbed a “wintry character study”.
“This drama remains something special, the film’s final moments an avalanche of genuine human understanding that had me happily reaching for the tissues while also letting out a silent euphoric cheer of appreciation,” wrote MovieFreak.
“Strong cinematography, excellent performances, and a deft touch with how adulthood can be forced upon what should be carefree adolescence make it emotionally memorable without ever feeling manipulative,” opined HollywoodChicago.
WhatCulture was also full of praise in its review as they called it “wonderfully low-key”, adding: “Briskly paced and as funny as it is emotionally resonant, Sister is easy viewing despite a potentially grim premise.”
Where can I watch Sister?
Sister is currently streaming on Sooner in the UK, which can be attained as an add-on channel to Prime Video. New subscribers can take advantage of a seven-day free trial, after which the subscription costs £4.99 per month.
Other Gillian Anderson movies you can stream right now
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If you already have Prime Video, then you can watch controversial drama The Salt Path, while Disney+ has sci-fi blockbuster Tron: Ares. If you have Netflix, then you can watch Scoop and The Spy Who Dumped Me.
Acclaimed British drama The House of Mirth, an adaptation of Edith Wharton’s classic 1905 novel, is on BFI Player. Anderson portrays socialite Lily Bart, and is joined in the cast by Laura Linney and Jodhi May.
Sister is streaming now on Sooner via Prime Video.
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Freelance Reporter, Digital Spy
Rebecca is a freelance journalist who specializes in TV and film. After beginning her career as a digital entertainment journalist for the Express & Star and Shropshire Star, she embarked on a freelance career in 2021 contributing to the likes of Metro UK, The Sun, WhatCulture, Screen Rant, FilmHounds Magazine and more.
Her particular field of interest is horror cinema and she has written for genre publications such as Ghouls Magazine and Moving Pictures Film Club.
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