Review | Club Kid shows funny and touching queer party animal as a father
Club Kid follows a chaotic New York party promoter who must transform his life when he suddenly becomes the primary caregiver for his young son. Directed by and starring Jordan Firstman, the film draws on his personal experiences to offer an authentic, humorous, and moving exploration of queer life and fatherhood.
In the film Club Kid, directed by and starring Jordan Firstman, a New York party promoter named Peter finds his chaotic, drug-fueled life transformed when he unexpectedly gains custody of his ten-year-old son, Arlo. Following the death of the boy's mother, Peter must decide whether to continue his reckless nocturnal lifestyle or embrace the responsibilities of fatherhood. The story reflects Firstman's personal journey of maturity and his own experiences within the queer underground scene, lending the narrative an authentic and vulnerable quality.
Firstman filmed in real underground venues and utilized actual nightlife figures to ensure a realistic portrayal of the New York queer community. The film balances humor with poignant emotional depth, earning significant acclaim, including a seven-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival. The performance by Reggie Absolom as Arlo is central to the film's success, highlighting the tender connection that forms between the estranged father and his son as they navigate their new reality together.
Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
