By Mr. Will Wong
When they warn you about drug use and strobing lights, they really mean it in Jordan Firstman‘s sublime feature directorial debut, CLUB KID. What they don’t warn you about is how emotional a journey you are about to go on here, complete with laughter, tears and reflection.
Firstman stars as Peter, a party promoter and sometimes drug dealer who is languishing in life until he learns suddenly one day that he has a son he never knew about. Peter is into men, so how does this even happen? Meet Arlo, played by Reggie Absolom, who recently lost his mother. Though Peter isn’t sure what to make of this, the two begin to see their own similarities, forming the bond they both might have been missing, until they encounter unforeseen circumstances, holding Peter accountable or his choices.
In addition to a phenomenal, fully-realized performance from Firstman here which gives us a desirable mix of hilarity and vulnerability. It turns out also that he is a fantastic and measured storyteller with something to say in this hopeful and bittersweet journey. He really hits us in the feels here with what ultimately is one of the most heartfelt experiences we’ve felt in some time. And what an accomplished performance from young talent Absolom who is absolutely captivating. We are certain we will be seeing a lot of him ahead.
See CLUB KID at TIFF ’26 as follows:
Sunday, September 13
TIFF Lightbox
Premium
9:00 pm
Friday, September 18
VISA Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre
9:30 pm
Saturday, September 19
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Open captions (OC)
5:15 pm
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