Come to Daddy

Come to Daddy is a 2019 thriller, horror-comedy movie featuring Elijah Wood, renowned for his exemplary turn as Frodo Baggins in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Directed by Ant Timpson and penned by Toby Harvard, the film blends terrifying suspense, unpredictability, dark humor, and an undercurrent of pathos that gives the narrative a unique quality.

In Come to Daddy, Elijah Wood plays Norval Greenwood. Norval is a privileged musician and recovering alcoholic who resides in Los Angeles. Sporting a bizarre haircut and donning unfashionable clothes, Norval doesn't present himself as the traditional hero we're accustomed to seeing. One day, out of the blue, he receives a letter from his estranged father who abandoned him as a child. Given this sudden opportunity to reconnect, Norval decides to pay a visit to his dad at his secluded beachfront home.

Upon his arrival, the audience, much like Norval, will quickly notice that not all is as it seems. Stephen McHattie, an experienced actor known for his roles in numerous horror films, portrays Norval's mysterious and seemingly erratic father. The relationship between Norval and his father is strained and uncanny, a clear indicator of the peculiar and nerve-wracking plot twists that lie ahead.

As the narrative advances, Norval's dream of reuniting with his father to rekindle their relationship gradually turns into a nightmare. The father-son reunion soon slides into a nerve-wracking and dangerous slope of uncomfortable interactions. These interactions, in combination with the stunning and isolated setting, create eerie and unsettling tension that fills nearly every scene.

The screenplay throws cleverly designed curves at the audience as unexpected revelations come to light, placing Norval in increasingly bizarre and threatening circumstances. There are some hair-raising, gore-filled sequences for the hardcore horror fans and plenty of mystifying moments to keep the thriller aficionados hooked. The script balances the horror with a fantastic injection of black comedy that's sharply written, thus providing the desired relief and unexpected laughter in an otherwise intense narrative.

The film features impeccable performances throughout. Elijah Wood delivers a convincing portrayal of an emotionally vulnerable man driven to the edge as he slips away from his comfort zone into a world of distress and fear. Wood's transformative performance underscores the theme of deconstructing the idea of masculinity and fathers.

Stephen McHattie's portrayal of Norval's father is equally commendable as he brings intense unpredictability and severity to his role in a compelling manner. The supporting cast, including Garfield Wilson, also deserve a mention for supplementing the main characters impeccably, ensuring an engaging, multidimensional viewing experience.

Ant Timpson's directorial debut, Come to Daddy, is a testament to his knack for creating unease with macabre humor. The film builds an intense narrative with an underlying dark comic streak that keeps the viewers engrossed. The scripting is equally powerful and creative, intertwining elements of suspense, dread, and humor in brilliant measures.

Come to Daddy also integrates its setting effectively into the storyline, employing isolated landscapes and a gloomy, oddly designed house to accentuate the lurking danger and impending dread. The cinematography and production design contribute significantly to setting the right mood and tone for the movie.

On the whole, Come to Daddy is a twisted, unpredictable roller-coaster ride that blends horror, suspense, and black comedy in a way that's both entertaining and deeply unsettling. Its sense of humor, engaging performances, and a compelling narrative ethos make it a must-watch for those looking for something off the beaten path. From its chilling opening to the shocking climax, the movie consistently subverts conventions, providing viewers with an experience that they are unlikely to forget anytime soon.