Tom Huang has built himself a unique resume as a director. His works range from comedies like “Why Am I Doing This?” to dramas such as “Find Me.” For his latest feature, which he also wrote the screenplay for, he would incorporate elements that draw influence from his personal experiences with his family. “Dealing with Dad” would receive positive audience feedback and take home numerous awards from various film festivals.
While working at her job, perfectionist Margaret Chang learns that her estranged father suffers from depression. Initially, she's reluctant to help, as her dad is revealed to be a jerk who was controlling and abusive to Margaret and her siblings during her youth. Eventually, she decides to visit her hometown and assess the situation with her two brothers, Larry and Roy. Bizarrely, he's nicer than usual. His children and the rest of the family try to figure out a solution while they deal with their struggles, such as Larry maturing and Roy's rough divorce. For Margaret, it's confronting her dad about their relationship.
Dysfunctional families are real, as are the uncomfortable realities within a household that stands by old-fashioned traditional cultural values, including specific high expectations and beliefs that are blatantly racist. A lot of harrowing subjects are effectively explored in “Dealing with Dad,” with mental health being prominent. Depression truly hurts and does affect those around as well, and this movie reminds viewers that emotional gloom comes in different forms and should be taken seriously. Then there are triggering topics like abuse and trauma and the lingering effects that go with them. These matters are emphasized through Margaret, who suffers from numerous complexes, including being neurotic due to how her father raised her. Another great aspect is the movie's complex approach to morality, such as helping someone whose done harm and people who refuse to help themselves, along with family bonding while settling differences, greatly highlighted in the film's ending.
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“Dealing with Dad” covers many sensitive topics and has a playful sense of humor. The film can be quite funny, with most of the comedy generally landing. Most of it lies in the interactions between the family, who have unique quirks and nicely play off each other's personalities. It also helps add a believability that these characters are a family. Tom Huang manages to also slip in some bold satire in some of the feature's cultural elements, including the mother, Sophie, frequently trying to arrange traditional customs with her adult children.
The interactions between the family feel genuine thanks to the chemistry brought to life by the cast. Ally Maki shines as Margaret, being funny, likable, and sympathetic as she reluctantly helps her father, who has caused her so much pain and trauma. Her two brothers are also memorable. Hayden Szeto captures the essence of a struggling young adult with Larry, and Peter S. Kim showing comedic and dramatic range as Roy, who desperately tries to pull through his impending divorce. Dana Lee nails his complex role as the dad, showing the harsh realities of depression in a simultaneously harrowing portrayal of an abusive family member who is realizing the pain he's caused. Page Leong is wonderful in a similarly multilayered performance as the mother, Sophie, who initially appears overbearing and slightly cold but gradually shows a softer, more humane side later. Other actors like Cindera Che, Echo Kellum, and Peggy Lu are also good here.
Production-wise, it is competently made with noteworthy stylistic choices for specific sections. Flashbacks are depicted with a vintage color palette. This aesthetic choice adds a sad nostalgia flare to many disheartening memories. Throughout the movie, visually striking dream sequences emphasize Margaret's trauma, gradually trying to free herself from being drowned by her emotional complexes.
“Dealing with Dad” is amusingly playful as a comedy and effectively bold as a tear-jerker drama. Thankfully, the humor and serious topics don't clash in a way that takes the viewer out. Audiences will get some laughs while also being moved. Good performances and a sharp script by Tom Huang hold this unique feature together in an entertaining and bittersweet experience. Even being a work of fiction, it's a film that feels real and relatable.
