Like Father Like Son: A Disastrous Thriller That Proves DNA Isn’t Destiny

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It seems unfortunate to report that it appears we lack free will and self-discipline, as our lives may be predetermined by our genetic makeup encoded in DNA. The movie “Like Father Like Son” champions this disheartening perspective, but unfortunately, it crashes into a triple threat of weak storytelling, unremarkable acting, and rather annoying cinematography. However, there is one positive aspect to note: the film’s duration is relatively short. The onslaught of mediocrity doesn’t persist for long. Like Father Like Son barely manages to reach 90 minutes in total, including the end credits.

1990 finds Eli McKinnon (Dylan Flashner) in Richmond, California, encountering his hard-working father, Gabe (Dermot Mulroney), at his place of employment – the high school where he works as a custodian. Grateful for Eli’s assistance with cleaning, Gabe is momentarily distracted by an incident in a neighboring field. A homophobic bully is tormenting a vulnerable student who identifies as queer, and Gabe, setting aside his mop, steps in to confront the situation, not with the intention of calling the authorities or de-escalating tensions. Instead, Gabe takes violent action against the bully, leaving Eli stunned and horrified by the turn of events.

Daddy Issues

A few weeks pass, and Gabe is astonishingly found guilty quickly and sentenced to death row, which leaves Eli upset and financially strained trying to manage their apartment expenses. He also chooses not to visit Gabe in prison. His court-assigned counselor (Mayim Bialik) suggests to Eli that he needs to comprehend why his father acted violently, or risk facing the same issues himself. In simpler terms, “Since your father is a cold-blooded killer, you might be at risk of developing similar tendencies.”

Eli quickly gets an opportunity to validate her belief. In a surprising turn of events, he encounters Hailey (Ariel Winter), a teenage runaway who works as a prostitute. He later tries to find her, but witnesses her being harassed. Moved by the situation, Eli springs into action to save her, displaying the same brutal force as his father did.

From a peaceful young man to a cold-blooded killer in an instant, Eli’s transformation is swift and chilling. His life up until now had been one of respectability, but he can now take lives without hesitation, whether they are enemies or those he claims to love. It’s just that Gabe didn’t show any signs of bravery. As the story unfolds, Eli begins to suspect that his father might have a hidden past, filled with more victims than previously thought. It appears that the trait of being a serial killer runs deep in their family lineage.>

Unbelievable Killers & Lovers

In Barry Jay’s portrayal (The Way Out, Killer Therapy), the characters Eli and Gabe are written as flawed individuals who act on impulse, often to their own detriment. The script suggests that these characters have a darker side, one they keep hidden to fit in with society. However, this hidden tendency to kill is beyond their control, and they only act when the circumstances seem justified. It’s implied that Gabe was unfortunate enough to be caught this time, but it could happen to anyone in Eli’s position. Critics might argue that this backstory strays into unrealistic territory, as Eli seems to get away with his violent crimes with minimal consequences.

The bond between Eli and Hailey is quite perplexing, as they develop an intense romantic connection in a matter of moments after meeting on the street. It’s almost comical that Hailey, who knows Eli to be a kind individual, is willing to overlook his questionable actions and protect him from danger. Regardless of the number of lives he puts at risk for her affection, this unhealthy attachment could have worked if their relationship had been built on genuine interactions rather than superficial ones. They seem inseparable after exchanging names, which adds to the confusion.

Unfortunately, the chemistry between Eli and Hailey, portrayed by Flashner and Winter, is as appealing as dry sawdust. There’s no palpable spark between them, and every scene featuring the two feels contrived and forced.

An Aesthetic That Backfires Big Time

In “Like Father Like Son,” the editing and cinematography are the main flaws that lead to its downfall in terms of visual storytelling. The director, Jay, consistently employs flashbacks, intense imagery, and transitions that bleed into one another to create a seamless flow between scenes. This technique is particularly noticeable during the murder sequences, where Eli’s rampages are interwoven with Gabe’s confrontation of the bully. The distorted facial expressions of both characters often appear indistinguishable, which only adds to the discomfort of the audience. Sadly, this visual approach not only fails to achieve its intended effect but also amplifies the film’s shortcomings, making it visually unpleasant and hard to watch.

In the movie “Like Father Like Son,” there’s a Jewish subplot that seems to serve a questionable purpose. Throughout the story, Eli frequently interacts with his landlord and her devout father in a religious context, but neither Eli nor Gabe are Jewish or use faith as a means of controlling their violent tendencies. They aren’t pious individuals by any stretch. However, this plot device provides Eli with a reason to confront Nazis when they unexpectedly appear on the scene. Essentially, it suggests that eliminating Nazis is a moral imperative, doesn’t it?

As a devoted cinephile, I must confess that the climactic scene in “Like Father Like Son” leans heavily towards absurdity as Eli makes an unprecedented move to shatter the family’s age-old curse. It seems they forgot about therapy and meds as viable solutions. In simpler terms, this movie is a brainless journey. I can only muster one star out of mercy for its minimal technical proficiency. If you’re looking for a more intellectually stimulating exploration of similar themes, I’d recommend “A History of Violence” or “Dexter”.

“Like Father Like Son” is a production by Code 3 Films and Green Light Pictures. On January 31st, audiences will have the opportunity to catch it in cinemas, digitally, or via Video on Demand, courtesy of Lionsgate.

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2025-02-01 01:32