Review of Brad's Status (2017) by Djuna — 09 Jan 2018

'Brad's Status' is a really good, very deep film. This is an arty drama starring Ben Stiller, and he gives an emotionally profound performance as a father who's trying to connect with his son (Austin Abrams), evaluating his own life, and facing his fear that one or both of them will ultimately be a failure.

Mike White ('School of Rock') is the writer and first-time director. He executes a simple, familiar premise thoroughly, with loving attention to detail. This is a self-aware, mature film.

Mark Mothersbaugh's score is incredibly skilful. Not many composers can make an audience laugh darkly at a single well-placed piano chord -- but he can. When several characters converge upon a performance of Dvořák's 'Humoresque,' too, it's a well-earned emotional moment.

Look, I wasn't sure about going to see a Ben Stiller movie either, but I **** you not. At the end of my screening, strangers in the audience were looking at each other open-mouthed. 'Brad's Status' reminded me of Woody Allen movies, and of 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.' Go and see this movie.