Call Your Father

"Call Your Father" is an intriguing, thought-provoking, and richly layered American short film that blends the elements of drama, comedy, and psychological exploration that was released in 2016. The film is the brainchild of Jordan Firstman, who has donned multiple hats for this project as writer, director, and a principal actor. Also featured in this film are actors Craig Chester and Jason Greene, whose sterling performances add vibrancy and credibility to the narrative.

The concept that "Call Your Father" revolves around depicts the uncertainty and disparity of generational interplay in a queer context. The film delves deep into the dynamics of interpersonal relationships and power structures within an unconventional romantic setting. The narrative consciously steers clear of presenting an idealized narrative about age-differentiated relationships and instead chooses to present a dialogue that is a vibrant mix of sharp humor, existential anxiety, and father-son drama.

The film centers around a young man named Josh, played by Jordan Firstman, who is invited for a sensual date by an older gentleman named Greg, portrayed by Craig Chester. Arriving at Greg's apartment, Josh soon discovers that connecting with someone from a different generation isn't as straightforward as he had hoped, with the date spiraling out of control due to a series of unexpected, awkward and enlightening events that form the backbone of this engaging narrative.

Craig Chester as Greg delivers an astoundingly multifaceted performance, perfectly encapsulating the lonely and somewhat awkward older man caught between his desire for companionship and the fear of rejection. Jordan Firstman, apart from directing and writing, skillfully pulls off his alter ego Josh, showcasing him as a somewhat arrogant, self-aware character with his own insecurities and preconceived notions about older men. The interplay of these disparate characters in an intimate setting results in a sharp-edged exchange where no quarter is given, resulting in witty dialogue and entertaining situations that the viewers can fully appreciate.

Another important character in the film is Greg's best friend Brad, portrayed by Jason Greene. He serves as the voice of wisdom and reason in the tumultuous budding relationship between Greg and Josh. His interactions and conversations form an integral part of the film, shedding light on various facets of the characters as well as providing deeper insight into the story.

"Call Your Father" works seamlessly as a narrative, and much of the credit goes to its director Jordan Firstman, who impressively balances his dual role as an actor and filmmaker. Firstman's deftness is clear in the way he has handled the film's tricky subject matter, treating it with sensitivity without glossing over its inherent discomforts and humor. All of this works to examine societal perceptions towards cross-generational relationships in the queer universe.

Apart from its unique narrative approach, the film boasts high-quality production values, with the cinematography by Sheldon Chau painting a beautiful picture that crisply captures the intimate drama. Echoing the interplay between the characters on screen, the use of light and space augments the mood of the film, imparting a resonant visual charisma that underscores the complexity of the relationships in the film. The drama doesn't stop at the physical level, delving deep into the mental and emotional processes of the characters, which is rendered beautifully through top-notch camerawork and editing.

The engaging narrative structure combined with meticulously crafted conversations presents a cinematic experience laden with astute observations, loaded dialogues, and deft humor, which form the crux of "Call Your Father". It delves into the exploration of the self, and the constant struggle to reconcile disparate identities and complex emotions, repackaging age-old discussions on love, relationships, and identity into a contemporary, relatable format.

Towards its conclusion, "Call Your Father" doesn't give easy answers and leaves viewers with more questions, an intentional open-endedness that suggests there's more to the story than what meets the eye, furthering the scope of interpretation for the audience.

"Call Your Father" is a bold, poignant and intriguing film that is a must-watch for viewers interested in narratives that challenge the status quo. It compels us to look within ourselves, confronting our own biases and preconceived notions, making it much more than a short feature film and entering the territory of impactful cinema.