#TIFF17: “BRAD’S STATUS”

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

The Film follows Brad Sloan (Ben Stiller) who brings his teenaged son (Austin Abrams) to tour colleges which triggers his mid-life crisis. He starts comparing his life to those of his wealthy, successful friends and struggles with finding happiness in his comfortable suburban life.

With Brad’s Status, Writer/Director Mike White makes this mid-life crisis story different from others by inserting Brad’s narration, which helps express the Film’s message clearly. Although the message about comparing others to ourselves will only make us less happy is touching, it being incessantly relayed becomes tiring. What makes up for the repetitive message is a great performance from Stiller and the strong chemistry he and Abrams have as father and son.

Brad’s Status screens at TIFF on Sept. 9 at the Winter Garden Theatre at 8:30PM, Sept. 10 at the TBLB1 at 11:45 AM and Sept. 16 at TBLB1 at 9:30PM.