‘Daddy’ Falls Flat as Satire

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Neal Kelly and Jono Sherman’s movie, titled “Daddy“, deviates significantly from the genre of dystopian satires. Instead, it offers a unique blend of science fiction and comedy, focusing on four diverse men who attend a government-approved Fatherhood Development Retreat hidden in the Californian mountains. The attendees — Sebastian (Yuriy Sardarov), Andrew (Neal Kelley), Jeremy (Jono Sherman), and Mo (Pomme Koch) — are left on federal land without their cell phones, awaiting their assigned supervisor to arrive and initiate the program. It appears that in the not-so-distant future, the Department of Procreation determines who is eligible to have children in the U.S. Those who fail this competitive fatherhood program are given a compulsory vasectomy and are barred from fathering children in the nation permanently.

Frequently, parents are simply two individuals who have engaged in intimate relationships. Regardless of their character, maturity, or stability, becoming a parent in the United States often doesn’t require specific qualifications. A good example can be found on MTV’s show “16 and Pregnant.” On a more serious note, imagining an America where the federal government regulates childbirth based on personal qualities is intriguing (as depicted in this month’s film, “The Assessment”).

Unfortunately, the concept introduced in this production, titled “Daddy,” doesn’t deliver as expected, lacking sufficient depth to effectively tackle themes such as contemporary fatherhood and masculinity in a compelling American satire. The audience yearns for insight into why “fatherhood is the future,” yet the piece seems more like a vague idea than a focused critique on a potential upcoming social or political trend.

What Makes a Person “Worthy” of Fatherhood? ‘Daddy’ Isn’t Sure

In the suspenseful survival drama titled Daddy, it becomes clear that something is amiss when the unknowing characters understand they are abandoned in the mountains without any rescue coming. Even though they have vast expanses of 2,000 acres to explore, their quad’s predicament starts to feel suffocating as tensions rise among them. One moment, one participant implicates another of being the monitor in disguise, and the next, they are all at odds with each other. The intrigue deepens as they argue over the mysterious purpose of the house’s creepy weighted baby doll, which they nickname Jams (a combination of their first names).

The hints of sabotage, the suspicion that one person might be a spy, growing feelings of discomfort and dread – these are common elements in a well-known plot structure where a group of strangers find themselves stuck in a limited space for what seems like an endless time. From René Clair’s 1945 mystery movie “And Then There Were None” (adapted from Agatha Christie’s 1939 novel) to contemporary horror-thrillers such as the “Saw” series and “The Invitation”, this type of suspicion, anxiety, and paranoia is consistently captivating. Normally, the audience shares the same level of ignorance as the main characters, which makes for a suspenseful viewing experience.

In the story titled “Daddy“, Jeremy, Andrew, Sebastian, and Mo gradually realize they are under observation and competing for the title of legal fatherhood. Despite receiving no guidelines and apparently being unsupervised, these contenders strive to demonstrate their worthiness. However, they ultimately resort to deceitful tactics and violence. Although the implications are significant, the tension appears more contrived than genuine. The serene environment and tranquil setting – a scenic mountain range and a cozy home – seem incongruous with unease. Moreover, these men don’t show much enthusiasm for fatherhood. It’s puzzling why they are vying over a soiled tablecloth on the second day.

Playing Papa

As spectators delve deeper into the characters’ backgrounds, their unique motivations for attending become clear. Ranging from resolving daddy issues to frenzied legacy construction, each participant’s pursuit of legal fatherhood serves as a significant aspect of their character growth. Among them, only Andrew appears genuinely eager to be a dad; following the loss of his unborn child, a change in the law now requires him to demonstrate his worthiness as a father. Apart from Andrew, who seems somewhat biblical in his determination, the rest of the group might be questioned about their readiness for parenthood. It remains uncertain if any of them would make suitable fathers, and it appears that neither the show nor Andrew himself is particularly eager to explore what makes a good father.

Audience witnesses the men enacting improvised fatherhood routines, defending a prop named Jams (similar to Wilson in Cast Away) during a dramatic altercation, and trying out paternal guidance scenarios. They perform for hidden cameras that could or might not be present. To Daddy’s credit, perhaps this is what parenthood truly involves – a theatrical display to convince the child and society that one is an omniscient authority figure, even if sometimes covered in baby spit-up on a worn gray hoodie, still embodying that image of an omniscient authority figure.

Surprisingly, ‘Daddy’ Is Not a “Men are Trash” Movie

Over the past ten years, films such as Midsommar, Gone Girl, Promising Young Woman, Men, Watcher, and Daddy have made a significant impact by exploring feminist themes. While these movies present firm viewpoints, Daddy sets itself apart from this group – not only because its creators are men, but primarily because it focuses on dissecting the flaws and insecurities of potential fathers, rather than making a blanket statement about all men. Interestingly, Daddy’s world also portrays a dystopian society where women must undergo motherhood programs.

In the captivating performance of Jacqueline Toboni as Ally in the second act of “The L Word: Generation Q,” she powerfully challenges the notion that an ideal parent is merely a societal construct. As a viewer, I’ve come to understand that both men and women, despite being binary examplars in this film, are inherently flawed. The narrative primarily delves into fatherhood and masculinity, albeit in a somewhat simplified manner. Sebastian embodies the typical alpha male persona, even sarcastically questioning, “Is it a crime to be a natural-born leader?!” A striking line from Sebastian that resonates is when he asks, “Because I’m a natural-born leader?! Is that such a crime?!

What we have here is just the right thing: raw openness. Baring our souls to each other; isn’t that what it means to be a man in today’s world? Isn’t that what’s now required of us?

He’s evidently displeased with the evolving concept of masculinity in society, and there’s room for further exploration on this theme. Jeremy embodies the antithesis, a typical sensitive beta male who feels a pang of sadness when he takes only three ice cubes from a tray with four, leaving one cube alone. Concurrently, beta male Jeremy displays self-awareness by acknowledging his insecurity about being single, while alpha male Sebastian’s unease about being unattached is hinted at through his verbal attacks on Andrew and Mo for being thoughtful towards their partners. “Andrew and Mo are weak,” Sebastian tells Jeremy. “They’ve allowed their women to dictate their identities and capabilities, influencing their actions.

Sebastian finds the Battle of Waterloo captivating, as it makes him ponder the significance of sacrifice. In essence, he muses that standing firm for one’s convictions, even at great personal cost, is what he associates with starting a family.

‘Daddy’ Doesn’t Divulge

In the thought-provoking piece titled “Daddy“, themes of both harmful and vulnerable masculinity are prevalent, alongside queries about the essence of fatherhood. Is it about enduring hardship and conflict? Is it about filling an emptiness, a gap in one’s emotional landscape? Is it about leaving a mark on the world? These questions remain unanswered. In this extended satire, the impact of these themes ought to be more profound. Ultimately, “Daddy ” poses numerous questions about fatherhood, manhood, mental stability amidst ambiguity, and an overbearing federal administration. Despite excellent performances and a chilling baby doll, “Daddy” fails to take a firm stand, even when it comes to controversial issues.

🌟 Interested in catching a film? Here’s your chance! “Daddy” is showing for a limited time at the Stuart Cinema and Café in Brooklyn, NY, until March 30, 2025. Following its Brooklyn run, it will make its way to California theaters starting April 2025. The film will be screened at Long Beach’s The Art Theater on April 2, Laemmle NoHo 7 in Los Angeles on April 8, and Santa Ana’s Frida Cinema on April 9. Excitingly, “Daddy” will also be available for streaming on VOD from April 15, 2025. Don’t miss out on this cinematic experience!

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2025-03-29 04:02