Club Kid

Club Kid

In his exuberant debut feature, writer-director Jordan Firstman stars as a hard-partying New York City club promoter whose lifestyle is upended by the unexpected responsibility of raising a 10-year-old son he never knew he had.

For Peter Green (Jordan Firstman), a promoter and purveyor of… shall we say… stimulating party favours in the queer New York club scene, the party never stops. One night of revelry blurs into the next, with restraint and responsibility perpetually left to others, especially his fed-up business partner Sophie (Cara Delevingne). But on the precipice of losing another decade to the rhythm of the night, reality bites in the form of 10-year-old Arlo (Reggie Absolom), the son of a half-remembered hookup. When Arlo’s mother unexpectedly dies, the boy is thrust straight into Peter’s care.

Firstman’s spirited debut feature explores familiar territory as his affably incorrigible Peter tackles fatherhood, first with trepidation and soon with enthusiasm. Arlo’s talent for DJ mixing becomes a springboard for endearing, if precarious, father-son bonding, though their growing relationship is threatened by complications surrounding the boy’s custody.

What distinguishes this story from mere stock sentimentality is the care taken in depicting Peter’s queer community as they welcome Arlo into their world. Supported by Adam Newport-Berra’s intimate cinematography, Firstman authentically renders the lives of his characters with an effervescence that is both subtle and captivating. Diego Calva is particularly memorable as Oscar, a social worker and Peter’s romantic interest, bringing an affectionate calm to the role.