While living abroad with his second wife, Gerrie returns to Rotterdam for his annual health check-ups. There, he meets with his son, Dick, who yearns for quality time that his father stubbornly avoids.Three Days of Fish is an insightful exploration of the fragile, often unspoken dynamics between a father, Gerrie (Ton Kas), and his adult son, Dic (Guido Pollemans). Set over three days, the film takes its title from the old adage, “Guests, like fish, start to smell after three days”, symbolizing the delicate balance of familial relationships. As Gerrie returns to Rotterdam for his annual check-up, he is reunited with Dick, who yearns for quality time with a father who remains emotionally distant.The film delicately captures the tension that arises between the two men as they attempt to reconnect. Their interactions, often marked by dry humour and awkward silence, reveal more than words ever could. Through mundane activities, like sharing meals and performing daily tasks, the layers of their relationship are subtly peeled back, offering a window into their unspoken love and the complexity of father-son bonds.Ton Kas and Guido Pollemans deliver raw, understated performances, bringing an authenticity that makes their characters’ vulnerabilities deeply moving. The film’s contemplative pace and minimalist approach enhance the emotional depth, allowing viewers to witness the nuances of connection and disconnection between two socially awkward individuals “fishing” for each other’s affection.The film premiered at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, where its lead actors, Ton Kas and Guido Pollemans, jointly won the Best Actor award.Three Days of Fish invites audiences to reflect on the impermanence of time spent with loved ones and the significance of even the briefest moments shared. The film’s quiet, observational style captures the beauty and sadness in the spaces between words, reminding us that beneath the surface, relationships are rarely as they seem.Raman Chawla