North Bend Film Festival 2022

"I Love My Dad" is likely the most cringe-inducing movie I've ever seen. I mean that in the best way possible because it is also hysterically funny. Patton Oswald stars as Chuck, the semi-estranged father of Franklin (James Morosini), a socially awkward young adult with suicidal tendencies. When Franklin blocks his dad's phone number and removes him from all social media, Chuck resorts to creating a new fake profile in order to maintain visibility into his son's life. But when Franklin reaches out to this "person," the relationship leads down an unexpected path. 

I saw this at the North Bend Film Festival, and it was introduced as "catfishing with a tinge of incest." After having seen the film, I tend to agree with that description. I tried to get my 14 y/o socially awkward son to come to watch this with me. Having seen it now, for the sake of our relationship, I'm glad he decided not to go. It would have been a genuinely uncomfortable viewing for both of us. 

Patton Oswald is excellent and seems perfectly cast as a neurotic, controlling father that doesn't respect his son's boundaries. Morosini and Oswald's on-screen chemistry is believably awkward. Morosini, who also wrote and directed the film, based "I Love My Dad" on the true story of his experience with his father. Knowing this adds an extra layer of cringe to the viewing experience. But Morosini's intimate experience with the source material undoubtedly helped inform the lead performances. Alongside Oswald and Morosini, Rachel Dratch shines in support as Chuck's girlfriend. Her comedic timing and delivery fit the film's tone seamlessly. 

This film is uproariously funny but also knows enough to lean into the heart and emotion when needed. It plays out mostly as expected—someone will eventually let the catfish out of the bag. However, like watching a train wreck, you just can't turn away. (Except I absolutely had to turn away during some scenes.) But such is the essence of cringe comedy. If you're comfortable being uncomfortable, then I highly recommend checking it out.

— 4 / 5 ⭐