The Dad Quest Parent Guide

Gallo (Michel Brown) is the hard-driving director of a television reality show but a lackadaisical parent. If it weren’t for constant reminders from his ex, Alicia (Fernanda Castillo), he’d hardly see ten-year-old Benito (Martino Leonardi). Then one night, Alicia lets slip that he might not be Beni’s father. Gallo is unsettled – a feeling briefly pushed aside by her unexpected death mere minutes later.

In the wake of the tragedy, Gallo learns that he’s not Beni’s dad, while also trying to comfort the bereaved child. He finally tells the truth to Beni, who requests Gallo’s help in finding his biological father. Since it’s literally the least he can do, Gallo agrees and the two embark on a quest that teaches Gallo about Alicia, himself, and what he really wants from life.

There are no surprises in this movie. None. After the first fifteen minutes, anyone can plot the emotional journey Gallo is going to take. The details might be fuzzy but the destination is never in doubt, which makes watching the film completely pointless.

The rest of the movie offers no compensation for the script’s stultifying predictability. The Mexican locations are charming; the acting passable. There are a few vaguely emotional moments, but, again, nothing special. Honestly, the best part of the movie was the taco party which had me looking hungrily at the screen as I daydreamed about the beef on the barbecue. (Note to self: try not to review movies before dinner.)

If you’re still considering The Dad Quest (possibly as a sleep aid), negative content consists primarily of ten swear words (not all of which are heard in the dub track), plus minor violence and social drinking. Of course, the plot is based entirely on illegitimacy and unknown paternity, which will rule it out for some viewers.

I’m not entirely sure why Netflix buys some movies. I know the studio is capable of making good films, but it also looks for “second screen” products – movies that people sort of watch while they are scrolling on their phones. The Dad Quest is definitely a second screen flick. If you want something to ignore in the background, this will work. But if you want a film that does something more than fill space, you’ll want to aim higher than this.