"Kept" is a revolting film that glorifies a deadbeat dad who defrauds the government and his friends. The protagonist, who also serves as the "director" in this painfully self-referential meta-film, epitomizes failure and irresponsibility. Instead of raising his son or making any meaningful effort to turn his life around, he squanders his money on booze and stumbles through a series of misguided endeavors.
The central character is not just unlikable but actively repulsive. His fraudulent schemes and blatant disregard for his responsibilities are presented with a shocking lack of critique, making it seem as though the film is more interested in excusing his behavior than condemning it. The "director's" ineptitude is on full display as he fails at everything he attempts, from his personal life to his supposed filmmaking career.
What makes "Kept" even more insufferable is its attempt at being a clever, self-aware piece. The meta aspect of the film, where the protagonist's failures in life mirror his failures as a filmmaker, falls flat and only adds to the overall sense of incompetence. Rather than providing any insightful commentary or humor, it comes across as pretentious and self-indulgent.
The technical aspects of the film are just as disastrous. The direction is aimless, the editing is disjointed, and the sound quality is subpar. The dialogue is riddled with clichés and delivered with a wooden lack of conviction. There is no coherent plot to speak of, just a series of poorly executed scenes that lead nowhere.
Ultimately, "Kept" is a film that disgusts and frustrates. It portrays a character who embodies the worst traits of irresponsibility and fraudulence without any redeeming qualities or meaningful narrative arc. The film's attempt at meta-commentary is nothing more than a shallow gimmick, making "Kept" a thoroughly unenjoyable and regrettable viewing experience.
