It's not often these days that I find myself sitting down with a two-hour low-budget indie flick. While I might be able to argue that writer/director Patrick VanZandt's Addy Daddy could have been slimmed down a bit, the truth is I didn't much mind spending a couple of hours with these engaging, thoughtful characters and VanZandt's unique and involving storytelling. 

In the film, which had its world premiere at Dances With Films in 2024 before being picked up by Synergetic Distribution, we're introduced to Lucas (Jared Trevino) and, rather obviously, Addy (Lexi Simonsen). Lucas is a rather lonely young man who finds a spark with Addy, though it's undeniable the two have their differences. They don't seem to mind those differences, at least not initially, until Addy gets the big family intro and is promptly rejected, for no reason really, by Lucas's parents Larry (Matt Kirkwood) and Sara (Lynn Haro). 

From the film's opening moments, we can't help but take a shine to both Addy and Lucas. Amidst this growing relationship, it's apparent that Addy is more working class than Lucas with a casual vibe and snarky sensibility. It would be easy to take her snark the wrong way, a possibility that comes into play once Lucas's parents enter the picture. Lucas, on the other hand, isn't necessarily super wealthy but is definitely more well-to-do than Addy. He's intelligent, though he possesses a naivete and a sort of submissive quality - especially where his father is concerned. 

While it seems like we're traveling on the road toward your usual romantic drama, about halfway in VanZandt pulls the rug out from under us and takes his story in an entirely different direction that changes our course rather dramatically. It's a switch that won't work for some, especially those who've become invested in the straightforward romantic drama between these two engaging, charismatic individuals. 

Me? I liked it. While I didn't entirely expect how Addy Daddy would unfold I found myself appreciating VanZandt's boldness the more I thought about it. It likely helps that VanZandt's ensemble is up to the task of selling this all and he's also surrounded himself with a mighty talented production crew. Jordan Pollak's lensing is rather stunningly inspired for a film with a rumored $25,000 production budget. As much as VanZandt is a filmmaker to watch, Pollak is also a cinematographer worth watching in the future. 

What really sells Addy Daddy is its emotional core. While the film surrenders itself to its more fantastical elements, both Simonsen and Trevino keep us emotionally invested throughout. Trevino's Lucas turns a bit dark, his internal struggles obvious and our investment in him, much like Addy's, never wavers despite the ways his inner turmoil gets expressed. Another one to really watch here is Simonsen, absolutely remarkable as the genuine, warm, and life-filled Addy. She's real here - this isn't some Hallmark Channel flick - but, Simonsen gives her such a rich humanity that you're constantly drawn to her. As supporting players, both Haro and Kirkwood also shine in roles that could have so easily gone one-note. 

There's an awful lot to recommend about Addy Daddy, a difficult film to peg and a difficult film to market with its unique rhythms and vibes. This isn't the kind of flick you see often in the multiplex, however, it is the kind of flick you discover one night when you see it on a streaming platform and think to yourself  "How have I not heard about this film?"

Indeed, while Addy Daddy may not be the best film you'll see in 2025 it's definitely a film worth checking out as I have a feeling we'll be hearing from several members of this cast and crew again in the future. 

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic