«DAD JOKE» by R.C. Barker

While generational dramas have been examining for years every nuance of the younger generation as millennials and now gen-z, the category of fathers has been largely neglected. To remedy this, DAD JOKE, directed by R.C. Barker, is a subtly sharp drama that paints a compelling portrait of provincial life, with all its contradictions.

Set against the backdrop of a picture-perfect neighborhood, the story centers on a 40-year-old father grappling with the daily pressures of family life: the unexpected discovery of a dead animal in the swimming pool, the elusive search for personal space, and the growing distance between him and his teenage daughter, Olive. As he stumbles through these small but significant moments, the world beyond his cul-de-sac is on the verge of a crisis: global tensions simmer in the background.
When a surprise intruder disrupts his routine, the Dad embarks on a bittersweet night of unexpected reflection, confronting his world’s limitations and crumbling state.

With a deft blend of humor and despair, DAD JOKE examines the absurdity of life’s small tribulations, anchoring them to larger, existential struggles. It is a story that is both biting and reflective, balancing subtle and caustic humor with deeper contemplation on the status of the middle class in current times.

Made by a team of filmmakers who are also teachers, DAD JOKE is a fresh short film that captures the delicate absurdity of modern parenting and suburban discontent without ever sacrificing irony.

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