Addy Daddy (2024)

-Written by Kyle Bain. 

When Lucas (Jared Trevino) introduces his new girlfriend, Addison (Lexi Simonsen), to his parents–their relationship begins to change. Addy Daddy analyzes the relationship between Lucas and Addison through a variety of lenses. Furthermore, the film approaches our relationships existentially, attempting to express the challenges we face as a result of those who are closest to us. 

Addy Daddy is a slow burn, a meticulous and intimate look into the devolution of Lucas as a result of those around him. His parents, his roommate, and Lucas himself play a role in how this budding romance develops. Slowly viewers see Lucas’ life change for the worse, knowing that regardless of what the right answer is for Lucas at any given moment, it seems inevitable that he will make the wrong decision, further mucking up his challenging and dramatic existence. 

Manipulation plays a pivotal role in the development of this narrative. As Lucas’ family and friends work their way into his life, it becomes abundantly clear the level of manipulation present in Lucas’s life. Addy Daddy uses manipulation as the vehicle for drama, and as that manipulation becomes increasingly more prominent and aggressive throughout, the film strengthens dramatically along with it. The pacing of Addy Daddy is phenomenal, presenting viewers with something honest, accessible, and innately human–all brought to fruition by way of that theme of manipulation.  

Montages of lights, sounds, and aggressive visuals often play a role in transitioning the film from place to place, and from time to time. Car horns, gym equipment, etc. often allow us access to Lucas’ life–and the technical prowess of each of these team members is what allows this to come into existence (at least in these moments). Addy Daddy, while focusing heavily on the relationship between Lucas and Addison, the primary focus is Lucas’ mental health and his relationship with himself. These aforementioned instances are often a reflection of Lucas’ state of mind, helping to drive the narrative forward and further develop an intriguing character. 

With the exception of these brief montages, however, I found that Addy Daddy suffers from somewhat of a lower production value. It doesn’t necessarily hit the right notes, often misusing light, set designs, etc., hindering the narrative and the film as a whole to a degree. While the film’s purpose is still realized by viewers, it’s clear that Writer-Director Patrick VanZandt struggles to create something technically and tonally proficient. Again, while there are moments of grandeur, of technical prowess present in Addy Daddy (regarding the technical and tonal efficiency), those moments are in the minority for sure. 

The thing that I found to be most troubling is the washed, almost out-of-focus shots that exist throughout nearly the entire film. It often feels as if VanZandt is attempting an auteur-esque approach toward Addy Daddy, one that likely had the potential to work given the right circumstances, but fails in this particular situation. The over-saturated shots hinder the film’s drama from time to time, literally presenting viewers with unnecessary obstacles throughout. 

Addy Daddy is an incredibly visceral journey that is often hindered by technical struggles and subpar performances from the supporting cast. Narratively, Addy Daddy is a strong, brilliantly human film–but its many struggles often overshadow the good. There’s a lot of give and take present in this film, but at the end of the day, I believe that VanZandt manages to create something narratively effective that reaches his viewers as intended. 

Written & Directed by Patrick VanZandt. 

Starring Jared Trevino, Lexi Simonsen, Kyle Tepper, Allan Weedman, Lynn Haro, etc. 

6.5/10 = WATCH IT FOR FREE