In his cinematic debut, comedian Nate Bargatze attempts to translate his standup success into film with The Breadwinner, a family comedy that fails to resonate. Despite his charm and deadpan delivery, the film relies on stale tropes and a lack of originality, leaving audiences wanting more.
A Familiar Format that Falls Flat
Bargatze’s well-known persona as a relatable, middle-class dad makes him a natural fit for the big screen, yet his transition to film feels forced and uninspired. The Breadwinner draws heavily from the bygone era of 90s sitcoms, echoing the style of Adam Sandler’s lesser works. In this feature, Bargatze portrays a suburban father, also named Nate, who juggles family chaos with his job as a top car salesman for a major brand. His wife, played by Mandy Moore, is presented as the overqualified partner who takes a leap of faith to launch her home-organisation invention, leaving Nate to navigate the challenges of domestic life.
The film’s plot hinges on the age-old conflict of gender roles within a family, with Nate struggling to keep up with household responsibilities while his wife is away. As he attempts to manage their three daughters and a home in disarray, the film leans into familiar comedic territory, but with a lack of genuine creativity or insight.
Uneven Performances and Lacklustre Execution
The supporting cast features a handful of familiar faces from Saturday Night Live, including Will Forte, who plays an inept roofer hired by Nate. While Forte’s performance stands out, bringing a sense of earnestness to his character, many of the other actors feel underutilised. Colin Jost and Martin Herlihy make brief appearances, but they fail to elevate the film’s overall lack of humour and coherence.
Director Eric Appel, known for his work on various comedic shows, struggles to deliver a polished film experience. The pacing feels uneven, and scenes often lack the rhythm necessary to sustain comedic momentum. One particularly jarring moment occurs during a sleepover scene, where the sheer number of characters overwhelms the narrative, leaving viewers confused rather than entertained.
Shallow Themes and Misguided Messages
The Breadwinner attempts to make a statement about the invisible labour of motherhood, yet it ultimately falls short. The film presents Nate’s complaints as exaggerated, failing to address the deeper socio-economic issues at play. The premise that a well-off family could struggle to transition to a dual-income household feels out of touch, as it misses the mark on what many families actually experience.
While the film includes a few moments of relatable humour, such as a running gag about the excessive number of wet towels left by his daughters, these instances are few and far between. Instead, the film often veers into clichéd territory, with Nate extolling the virtues of Walmart while muddling through outdated lessons about work-life balance.
Why it Matters
The Breadwinner highlights a growing concern within contemporary family comedies: the struggle to create relatable, insightful narratives that resonate with today’s audiences. As societal dynamics evolve, so too must the stories we tell. Bargatze’s film serves as a reminder that simply relying on familiar comedic patterns doesn’t guarantee success. For viewers, it’s a missed opportunity to engage with fresh perspectives on family life and parenting, leaving them to hope for better offerings in the future.
