Norval Greenwood (Elijah Wood), a thirty something man child makes the trek to the isolated shores of Oregon to reconnect with his estranged father who he hasn’t seen since he was a baby. From the first moment, it’s an entirely uncomfortable reunion. Dad (Stephen McHattie) is a cantankerous old man who doesn’t even attempt to meet his son half way. The two begin the sparring early.
The imputes of the journey was a letter sent from father to son, where some regret was implied but in person, Dad shows no love for his offspring, only disdain. He constantly taunts his recovering alcoholic son with drink in hand and a drunken swagger. There is also the underlining sense of an impending confrontation that will erupt into violence.
Midway through, things turn ominous as certain truths are revealed and the film shifts direction from a family drama into a dark comic thriller. As the truths come tumbling out, we find reasons for Norval’s unconventional upbringing and ultimately odd demeanour. It also radically alters our perception of actions and motivations.
What starts conventionally, soon tilts into a far most interesting and crooked investigation of the family dynamics that are a product of criminal behaviour. Into this world of black humour and even darker impulses, Come To Daddy will keep you second guessing until its very violent and funny end.
Come To Daddy is now available on VOD on Google Play, iTunes, Fetch, Telstra & Umbrella Entertainment, Foxtel on Demand from 15 April, DVD & Blu-Ray from June.
Rob Hudson
www.umbrellaent.com.au
COME TO DADDY from Umbrella Entertainment on Vimeo.
