2023 TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW!
A young dominatrix, Oliver (Matt Campanella), is working hard–determined to become the best version of himself. One day, however, he comes across a client that will change the way he looks at things–and that client will threaten Oliver’s reputation and his ability to do his duties. Daddy Issues is Oliver’s story of unexpected encounters, less-than-ideal interactions with others, and trying to persevere in the most challenging of circumstances.
Writer-Director Campanella and Co-Director Stephanie Chloé Hepner are bold in creating Daddy Issues, a film that will certainly ruffle some feathers. The story itself is enough to make viewers cringe and individuals that haven’t seen the film will likely turn their noses up to the very concept. Just developing the film is one thing (and a challenge in itself), but getting the film to Tribeca is an incredible feat. I’ve always said that the passion that goes into a film, regardless of whether or not I enjoy the film as a whole, can make a film better. Knowing that a single person or an entire team poured their heart and soul into a film strengthens the content and makes it more accessible to viewers. Daddy Issues is an example of a film that is elevated to new heights as a result of the passion that birthed it.
However, Daddy Issues isn't necessarily a film that needs that support. Technically the film is incredibly sound, and it navigates the world of cinema in a way that allows viewers to understand, access, and appreciate it.
What stands out to me the most is the cinematography–brought to life by Director of Photography Nicholas Kalajdzic. The cinematography is incredibly tight, helping to showcase the most important aspects of every scene. While a series of close-up shots help to showcase Oliver, there are times when some wider shots frame an entire room, but, again, in a fashion that remains firm, tight, and incredibly deliberate. Viewers see only what they are meant to–nothing more, nothing less. The fact that Daddy Issues is so beautifully able to bring to life a story about a dominatrix and his run in with possibly the most unwanted client ever is a testament to this team's talent.
Oliver is a strange character; and the other characters that appear in the film are as well. However, Oliver is the most prevalent character–and Campanella’s prowess as Daddy Issues plays out is astounding. I can’t imagine stepping into the shoes of such a unique character, trying to bring him to life, or, even better, develop him in a way that viewers will understand. From the opening seconds, as Oliver repeats the phrase “shut the fuck up,” he captures viewers’ attention, and he only gets stronger as Daddy Issues moves forward.
Based on the fact that Daddy Issues focuses on a dominatrix struggling with life, viewers may initially think that the film might fail to reach them emotionally–that’s just not the case. Sure, in the opening moments, as Oliver begins to develop, we don’t get much of a message–but after his client is introduced, the things we are able to learn from this film seem limitless. This is a really fun film–but the emotional relevance outshines everything. Daddy Issues is more than meets the eye, and it’s a film that has the potential to reach everyone who watches.
Directed by Matt Campanella & Stephanie Chloé Hepner.
Written by Matt Campanella.
Starring Matt Campanella, David Kelsey, Maria Carrozza, & Milan Anderson.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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