Dad & Step-Dad (2023)

This week for Mubi Monday we have a recent comedy that deals with a blended family. Let’s get right to it and dive into…Dad & Step-Dad (2023).

Title: Dad & Step-Dad

Director: Tynan DeLong

Released: March 8, 2023 (United States)

Runtime: 1 hour 18 minutes

Available to stream on: Mubi as well as Tubi

Jim (Colin Burgess) and his son, Branson (Brian Fiddyment), are on their way to a weekend retreat at a house in the woods. Although, it won’t just be the two of them getting bonding time over the weekend. No, Branson’s stepdad, Dave (Anthony Oberbeck), is already there waiting for them.

If that wasn’t enough, Branson’s mom, Suzie (Clare O’Kane), will be joining all three of them later in the weekend.

However, until Suzie gets there, both Jim and Dave are desperately seeking validation and acceptance from Branson. From how to grill to how to apply sunscreen and everything in between, Jim and Dave find themselves in constant competition with each other.

Will their parenting styles wind up pushing Branson further away from them both?

Is it possible that Jim and Dave have more in common than they thought?

To say that Dad & Step-Dad (2023) was an interesting watch would be an understatement.

When I first saw the five o’clock shadow on Branson, I couldn’t help but laugh. That’s very clearly a full-grown man trying to pass as a thirteen-year-old boy. I was not ever able to take the Branson character seriously.

Luckily, for me at least, we spend more time with Jim and Dave than we do Branson. Their petty passive-aggressive back-and-forth has plenty of dad jokes and had me laughing throughout.

Does the comedy always work? No. However, it hits more than it misses. And there’s more to it than just comedy with some heartfelt moments sprinkled throughout as well.

If you can get past a grown man trying to pass as thirteen years old, definitely give Dad & Step-Dad (2023) at least one viewing.

So, if you’ve seen Dad & Step-Dad (2023), what did you think of it?

Let me know in the comments below or by reaching out on social media!

As always, you can see what else I’ve been watching over on my Letterboxd page.