Club Kid: A Heartfelt Father-Son Comedy from Jordan Firstman That’s Making Waves at Cannes

Film Review: "Club Kid" Explores the Twists of Parenthood and Party Life

"Club Kid," a feature debut from Jordan Firstman, presents a dual perspective on a man grappling with the challenges of adulthood while still firmly entrenched in the hedonistic lifestyle of his younger years. The film chronicles the life of Peter, a New York party promoter portrayed by Firstman himself, shifting from a tumultuous past to a present riddled with personal conflict.

Set a decade ago and transitioning to the current day, "Club Kid" opens with a vivid portrayal of New York City’s nightlife, characterized by excessive cocktails, drugs, and promiscuity. Peter, alongside his companion Sophie, played by Cara Delevingne, revels in the city’s pansexual party scene, emphasizing their carefree approach to life with a mantra: “What do we want? Drugs! When do we want them? NOW!”

As the film progresses, it portrays a world where everyone is fully immersed in revelry, including scenes of Peter engaging in unexpected encounters. However, an undercurrent of reflection emerges as Peter begins to ponder the passage of time with the poignant question, “Do you ever lose 10 years?”

Living in a rent-controlled apartment inherited from his late mother, Peter’s life has spiraled into chaos. A slacker roommate and an ever-growing need for hosting extravagant parties complicate his already precarious financial situation, forcing him into a drug dealing side gig, where he finds himself suffering the consequences of his own vices. Sophie attempts to maintain a more professional facade, but ultimately decides to sever ties with Peter after witnessing his deteriorating state.

The turning point arrives when Peter is confronted with the arrival of Edison, a British club-goer played by Kirby Howell-Baptiste. Edison introduces Peter to a surprising responsibility—his 10-year-old son, Arlo, the product of a brief encounter with Peter’s late mother, Leonora. This revelation thrusts Peter into a chaotic situation as he navigates the complexities of fatherhood inappropriately and humorously against a backdrop of nightlife.

The film’s humor stems from Peter’s cluelessness about parenting, illustrated through awkward moments that highlight the stark contrast between his hedonistic lifestyle and Arlo’s innocent curiosity. Arlo’s affinity for music icons and whimsical T-shirts captures the heart of their father-son dynamic, prompting deeper questions about Peter’s ability to nurture and raise his child.

Despite potential comparisons to Adam Sandler’s "Big Daddy," "Club Kid" avoids sentimentality, instead tackling weightier issues of identity and responsibility within the gay community. Firstman’s storytelling weaves an inclusive narrative that resonates with anyone who has grappled with the desire to leave behind a transient lifestyle for a more stable existence.

Film Details:

• Title: Club Kid
• Festival: Cannes (Un Certain Regard)
• Director-Screenwriter: Jordan Firstman
• Cast: Jordan Firstman, Cara Delevingne, Reggie Absolom, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Colleen Camp
• Sales: UTA Independent Film Group (US), Charades (International)
• Running Time: 1 hr 59 mins

"Club Kid" ultimately serves as a poignant exploration of the challenges faced by those attempting to reinvent themselves against the colorful backdrop of nightlife, revealing that sometimes, a night out can lead to unexpected responsibilities and profound transformations.