I Love My Dad opens with a note to the viewer, stating that what will follow is indeed a true story. A viewer may at first think nothing of it, but as the film progresses – they will hope and pray that’s not the case.
I Love My Dad is a new comedy feature directed by and starring James Morosini. He plays Franklin, who blocks his father, Chuck, after years of let downs and absences. The sticky plot begins a short 10 minutes in, when Chuck creates a new social media account and poses as a young woman in order to stay in contact with his son. However, the relationship between Franklin and ‘Becca’ very quickly turns romantic. Sound messy? It is, but I love it.
This film sometimes feels more like a psychological thriller than a comedy. It is without a doubt one of the most stressful, painful, tense, anxiety inducing films I have watched in a long time. Despite this, it is also the most hilarious. The cringe is unimaginable as Chuck’s plan is pushed further and further into insanity. What results is painfully funny. Most of the time I wasn’t sure if I should laugh or cry.
The standout moments are the various scenes in which ‘Becca’ appears before Franklin as they text and he imagines them conversing face to face (bear in mind, he’s actually just talking to his father). These scenes were incredibly fun and dynamic and created some of the most hilarious moments of the film. The performances from Claudia Sulewski and Morosini shine in these scenes, especially as it becomes more outrageous. The pair have excellent chemistry and it’s a joy to watch.
It’s not just comedy that is brilliant. There’s a real tenderness and heart to the father-son relationship, and the film leans into some emotional beats that hit hard. As crazy as the plot becomes, you never quite forget that Chuck is just a lonely dad, trying. And Franklin is just a lonely dude, in love.
In many ways, this film is one of the most effective online safety PSAs I’ve ever seen without even intending on being one. I Love My Dad is playing at Sydney Underground Film Festival, from September 8. Make sure you catch it with your friends, your online girlfriend perhaps – just maybe not your dad.
Amelia