THE HIDDEN TRAGEDY WITHIN 'ANNETTE'. (SPOILERS)

When the Official Trailer for this anticipated musical starring Adam Driver dropped, it failed to portray a clear story. The # minute video left more questions than answers. Who is Henry? What is his relationship with Opera Singer Anne Is they a legitimate couple, or is he an obsessive fan living in a fantasy? What role does her baby play in his life? So many questions that only a full viewing of the film could answer. It turns out the film has an overall questionable take of reality because it comes from the point of view of the strange, toxic mind of Comedian Henry McHenry.

While their relationship turns out to be legitimate leading to marriage and a child, there remains our concern over the healthy state of their relationship. Do they belong together? The answer is no. This is because Henry is a controlling, unsupportive partner. He despises his wife's success, especially after the decline of his career. As his vulgar comedy routine falls from grace, her music elevates her. Her art form is timeless, and the jealousy drives him into a spiral. Until one night, Ann doesn't come home.

Does he miss or grieve her? Does he feel grief or shame? No. His concern lies with finance. Without her income, he stands to lose everything she built including the indulgent lifestyle he'd come to enjoy. He finds himself in need of another meal ticket. Unfortunately, Annette inherits her mother's gift for music. She is a musical progeny. A miracle. So, he exploits her gift for his own personal and financial gain, while ignoring the reason for his daughter's gift.

It turns out that Ann passes her gift onto her daughter for revenge, too dark a purpose to impose on an innocent child. Ann devotes herself to haunting her husband, but her desire for revenge backfires. He becomes too focused on making money to bother feeling the guilt over his violent temper and raging alcoholism. The exploitation of his daughter finally comes back to haunt him when Annette uses her platform to expose his secrets. She takes control of her voice from both her parents. She takes her power back.

However, the damage is already done to Annette's psyche. Only after his harm takes its toll on her does Henry see his daughter as a human being and not a puppet. She becomes a sad child, lost without the love of either parent. She hates them both for the childhood they robbed from her, and the joy of music is tainted. She sees her gift as a curse, so she vows to keep it from the world.

Her beautiful purpose is poisoned by two toxic parents. It leaves her bitter and unforgiving. Yet, there is hope for her. Annette is still very young. She has a chance at a normal life, especially with her mother gone and her father in prison. With them out of her life, she is free to live her life free of their toxin. Time and therapy can heal her. She may still find a positive purpose.

We can only hope.