FILM: 6.5/10.
So, I decided to delve into Elijah Wood's post-Lord of the Rings escapades, and let me tell you, the man has a knack for picking the peculiar. Come to Daddy is no exception-it's a quirky, offbeat black comedy that kicks off with an unsettlingly weird vibe, paving the way for a positively bizarre rollercoaster.
Wood, playing the nerdy Norval, gives a suitably restrained performance, clearly yearning for the attention of an absent father. Meanwhile, Stephen McHattie rocks the role of the titular daddy Norval never knew, injecting a perfect dose of oddity. But here's the twist: not everything in this oddball reunion is what it seems.
Directed by Kiwi Ant Timpson, known for his horror ventures, Come to Daddy leans heavily into the genre. The first half is a well-paced, well-written exploration of Norval's peculiar family reunion. However, at the 50-minute mark, things take a wild turn, unleashing a barrage of oddities. Yet, despite the eccentricities, it feels like the film plays it safe, never quite pushing the boundaries far enough.
It's a tale of two halves, and honestly, I found myself thinking sticking to the vibe of the original half might've been the safer bet. Alternatively, Timpson could've cranked up the volume on the outlandish elements in the final 40 minutes. The result? A pleasingly solid film that, unfortunately, grapples with a mild identity crisis.
Come to Daddy is a decent watch if you're up for some Elijah Wood-induced weirdness, just be prepared for a ride that veers off the rails into the delightfully bizarre.
FORMAT: Blu-ray
VIDEO: 8/10.
1080p presentation, Detail level: Excellent, Colour reproduction: Good, Level accuracy: Good, Encode: Good, Master condition: Excellent
AUDIO: 8.5/10.
DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio, Dialogue reproduction: Excellent, Soundtrack & effects clarity: Excellent, Dynamics: Good, Surround sound presentation: Good, LFE content: Good
MOOFIEMETER: 6/10.
