Nate Bargatze, the popular standup comedian known for his deadpan delivery and family-friendly jokes, makes his film debut in The Breadwinner, a comedy that feels like a throwback to the worst of Adam Sandler’s 2000s output. The film, co-written by Bargatze, follows suburban dad Nate (Bargatze) who is forced to take over household duties when his wife Katie (Mandy Moore) travels abroad to launch a business. The premise, which aims to highlight the invisible labour of mothers, instead delivers a series of tired gags about an incompetent father struggling with basic parenting tasks.
Bargatze’s character is a top car salesman for Toyota, a detail that allows for heavy product placement. The film’s supporting cast includes several Saturday Night Live alumni, such as Will Forte, Colin Jost, and Martin Herlihy. Forte stands out as Keegan, a bumbling roofer whose improvised scenes expose Bargatze’s lack of comedic rhythm. The movie’s attempts at heartfelt moments, such as Nate’s realisation of his parental shortcomings, are undercut by the family’s affluent lifestyle, which makes their struggles feel trivial.
Directed by Michael J. Gallagher, The Breadwinner fails to capture the charm of Bargatze’s standup, instead offering a dated and largely unfunny sitcom episode stretched to feature length. The film’s reliance on ‘incompetent dad’ humour feels stale compared to classics like The Simpsons, and its resolution is predictable and unsatisfying. For audiences seeking a modern take on parenting comedy, this film is unlikely to satisfy.
