Vague Visages’ Dad & Step-Dad review contains minor spoilers. Tynan DeLong’s 2023 movie on No Budge features Colin Burgess, Anthony Oberbeck and Brian Fiddyment. Check out the VV home page for more film reviews, along with cast/character summaries, streaming guides and complete soundtrack song listings.

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Tynan DeLong’s Dad & Step-Dad finds comedic gold in awkward silence and silly stare-downs. The 2023 indie comedy, now streaming on NoBudge, builds upon the short film source material from 2018 by expanding the narrative from a home interior to various outdoor locations, allowing Celia Hollander’s gentle score to punctuate key sequences as the titular characters find common ground while bonding with their adolescent son. Dad & Step-Dad channels the spirit of a beloved modern comedy like Step-Brothers (2008), albeit with more more improvisational humor, while ultimately settling in a surprisingly peaceful and poignant place.

Dad & Step-Dad explores the power dynamics between Jim (Colin Burgess) and Dave (Anthony Oberbeck), the father and step-father, respectively, of a 13-year-old boy named Branson (portrayed impressively by adult actor Brian Fiddyment). The protagonists meet up for a weekend retreat as one-upmanship techniques create tension for everyone involved. Jim, a graphic designer, passive-aggressively insults Dave, whose frustration produces even more nervous energy. As the drama escalates, DeLong utilizes extreme close-ups to boost the improvisational comedy. Meanwhile, young Branson shows off his singing voice (one of the film’s best comedic moments) and tries to explain the creative inspiration for a drawing of a “sexy fox.” When the boy’s mother (Clare O’Kane as Suzie) shows up, Jim and Dave realize the errors of their ways but still feel obliged to mark their territory. At 78 minutes, Dad & Step-Dad moves along quickly, thanks to numerous laugh-out-loud moments.

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Cinematographer Johnny Frohman offsets the mean-spirited yet hilarious banter in Dad & Step Dad with his framing of external visuals. Whereas the original short primarily takes place within a home, the feature adaptation essentially uses Mother Nature as a supporting character. And so the bickering fathers appear even more ridiculous while their son receives emotional comfort from his mother in the great outdoors. As Dave, Oberbeck stands out with his lanky physique, which allows for some subtle physical comedy that complements and contrasts Burgess’ intellectualized interpretation of Jim. The improvisational comedy peaks during Dad & Step Dad’s final act, in which the male leads muse about their “militant atheist” and “violent agnostic” backgrounds — a conversation that sets up the film’s most heart-felt sequence.

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Burgess and Oberbeck carry Dad & Step-Dad with their lead performances, though O’Kane provides a much-needed female perspective as Suzie. The mother’s naturalism while bonding with her son parallels the forced auras of her adult counterparts. In addition, the actress’ presence at once develops Branson’s character arc while allowing Fiddyment more opportunities to shine as a nervous and sexually confused teen. Early on, Dad & Step-Dad seems like a comedic vehicle that could quickly run out of improvisational gas, yet there’s an astounding amount of heart that ultimately emerges across the board, from the collective performances to the emotive score to the strong character sketches and final resolution.

NoBudge released Dad & Step-Dad on March 22, 2024.

Q.V. Hough (@QVHough) is Vague Visages’ founding editor.

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