Jason (Timothy J. Cox) is an actor trying to make it big, but outside the stage and screen, he lives a pretty average life. Every Sunday, he shares a simple lunch with his father, Ben (George R. Hildebrand). This ritual has become very important to both of them after the death of Jason’s mother, Maggie, and Ben always looks forward to seeing his son. The visit is typical—until Ben makes a somewhat startling confession: he’s been using the services of a sex worker. Jason’s first reaction is one of disgust, but Ben’s response is an enlightening journey into the inner lives of aging parents many of us often overlook as their children.
Being a short film, I’m a little worried my synopsis of Sundays with Dad gives a bit too much away, but there are some complex themes and ideas that need to be mentioned. Having reviewed several other shorts featuring Timothy J. Cox, I’m pleased to say this one is similarly enjoyable, due in large part to his acting ability. He and George R. Hildebrand have believable enough chemistry to be cast as father and son, and the conversation they share is organic and interesting, stumbling only in a couple of moments that reveal the stagecraft behind the production. Ben’s monologue goes on just a bit too long for a film and jolts the viewer out of the fantastic realism and chemistry between the two actors. That’s the only notable issue with this short film.
There was some fantastic discussion about grief, death, companionship, and the nature of sex work, each moment prodding the viewer to readjust their own assumptions about the topics—and about their own parents. Especially as we age, many people can find it difficult to see their parents as full individuals, having lived with them as caretakers and heroic or godlike figures during childhood. By and large, people can overlook some of their parents’ simpler needs, especially after the loss of one. If your collection serves a large middle-aged population or frequently produces film series about aging or grief, Sundays with Dad would be an excellent resource to add to library shelves. Highly Recommended.
What kind of film collection would this title be suitable for?
Sundays with Dad is a natural fit for short film collections that explore intergenerational relationships, aging, grief, and identity. It’s especially well suited for public libraries and community centers with patrons navigating middle age or the caregiving phase of life. The film could also be included in collections focused on men’s emotional health or changing dynamics in parent-adult child relationships.
What kind of film series would this narrative fit in?
This short would be a strong addition to curated series on topics like aging with dignity, navigating loss, or the evolving roles of parents and adult children. It would pair well with other films that take place in small, domestic settings and rely on emotional dialogue to unpack big ideas—such as The Father, Still Mine, or shorts exploring end-of-life decisions and senior isolation.