I LOVE MY DAD (2022)

 

Written & Directed By: James Morosini  Cinematography: Steven Capitano Calitri Editor: Josh Crockett

Cast: Patton Oswalt, James Morosini, Claudia Sulewski, Amy Landecker, Lil Rel Howery, Rachel Dratch, Ricky Velez, Sarah Helbringer 

A hopelessly estranged father catfishes his son in an attempt to reconnect.

This film is supposedly based on a true story and if that is a fact. This Is either a brave admission that I am sure has been somewhat exaggerated to a degree or a rather genius demented dark comedy. 

The film sounds interesting to most until they actually see how it is affecting both characters. Sure it’s helping the son and the father-son relationship, but It’s built on lies and bad communication that isn’t malicious. It’s more desperate and misdirected though for a reason.

So that towards the end you care for everyone involved even the ones affected inadvertently. We are allowed to see glimpses of play out. As you know that they’re nice the truth comes out and it must. It will feel more like a horror film.

An aspect that one admired about the film above all else, is the way that it integrates the text conversations into seemingly more face-to-face conversations. So that the audience isn’t left exclusively trying to read the screen during half of the film. Allowing the scenes and scenarios an extra dimension and a new level of compatibility for the characters. As well as comfort.

As it also gives us a glimpse into inner thoughts. While reminding us how disturbing the situation is. Like when sexting owns another. 

Though it might be that new filmmakers who grew up with texting being practically second nature have figured out how to creatively make it work and have it especially work for them

As with most dark comedies it does end with hope. Even though most of the film, there is discomfort.

It’s nice to see Patton Oswalt in more of a leading man role again. That actually seems to fit him. As with him, you believe everyone in their roles. 

You have to believe James Morosini, as he is the writer/director that this all happened to supposedly in real life. So essentially playing himself.

Makes you wonder what he will have next up his sleeve or is this a one and done and just wanted to get his personal story out there. 

Some little tidbits you are left to wonder like was the son socially awkward before going to the Mrs tap hospital or just after his breakdown and is it directly due to not having a male figure around? 

The film even with its freaky subject matter is never mean-spirited and offers more of a gentle touch. As this might remind some of the movie WORLD’S GREATEST DAD though that film has Its Strengths. Most of the characters in that film were unlikeable and had an agenda at some point. So that it came off as cynical. It would make a good double feature with it though. 

Here this film has its own identity and tries to be rough but offers some hope. Where the main character of the father admits to his mistakes and is not delusional, but suffers a connected series of events. Where he continuously digs himself deeper.

So that it becomes truly a comedy of errors.

Grade: B-