Club Kid Special Presentations

Peter (played by writer-director Jordan Firstman) lives a blissfully hedonistic life in New York running a party-promoting business with his BFF Sophie in the city’s queer club scene. Reveling in the lifestyle, Peter indulges in plenty of “party favours” and habits that are decidedly not-good for-you. Cut to a decade later, and not much has changed. Peter’s eyelids may look a little heavier, while Sophie is growing increasingly fed up with their relationship. The routine is disrupted by the arrival of Arlo (Reggie Absolom), Peter’s 10-year-old son, whom he never knew existed. With his British “hello” and effortlessly cool taste, Arlo lands like a drop Peter never saw coming. It might just be the loudest wake-up call Peter needed.

A wondrous triumph at Cannes, Club Kid proves that former influencer Firstman’s storytelling talent transcends mediums. His debut feature is bouncy and exuberant, yet earnest when needed. Avoiding oversentimentality, the film grounds its odd-couple buddy comedy in a resonant story of quiet redemption and parental bonds that can take unexpected forms.

Content Considerations: Strobing lights, sexual content, nudity, mature themes, drug use, coarse language