There are some comedies that don’t try to reinvent the wheel—they just aim to entertain with warmth, charm, and familiar truths. About My Father is exactly that kind of film. It’s breezy, heartfelt, and refreshingly old-fashioned in its values, leaning into the classic “meet the in-laws” formula while adding a sincere layer of father-son love.
Sebastian Maniscalco, playing a lightly fictionalized version of himself, leads the film as Sebastian—a successful, attractive, middle-aged man in a serious relationship with Ellie (played by Leslie Bibb), a warm and effortlessly WASPy woman from a wealthy American family. As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, Ellie invites Sebastian to meet her family at their posh country estate. But Sebastian insists he can’t go without bringing his beloved, old-school Italian father, Salvo, played with comedic perfection and tender nuance by Robert De Niro.
Salvo is a widowed hairdresser who still clings to the values and traditions of his late wife—especially the symbolic wedding ring he’s been saving for the “right moment.” That sentimental detail becomes one of the emotional threads of the film, gently reminding us that grief and love often go hand-in-hand in family dynamics.
What follows is a fish-out-of-water comedy that plays up cultural clashes: old-school immigrant grit versus inherited wealth, tight-knit family values versus privileged aloofness, and generational miscommunication that somehow always circles back to love. It’s not groundbreaking, but it is charming.
De Niro is clearly having fun here. While some may be used to his gruffer or more dramatic roles, in About My Father he strikes a warm and genuinely funny balance. His Salvo is blunt, loyal, and hilariously unimpressed by country club etiquette. His dynamic with Sebastian carries the film—there’s a lived-in rhythm between the two, full of eye-rolls, awkward hugs, and quiet affection.
The film’s humor is observational rather than raunchy. Most of the laughs come from cringeworthy social missteps or painfully relatable parent-child moments. There’s a poolside incident, a disastrous dinner party, and several sweet scenes where Sebastian wrestles with his cultural identity—trying to honor his roots while embracing a future that looks very different.
But beneath the laughs, there’s a sincere message about what we carry from our families—the pride, the quirks, the pressure, and the love. In the end, it’s not just about impressing future in-laws. It’s about honoring the people who raised you, even when they drive you crazy.
Why It Worked for Me:
Sometimes, a movie doesn’t need to be loud or complex to resonate. About My Father worked because it felt personal. The story of a man who loves his father deeply, who sometimes struggles to communicate that love, and who ultimately realizes that where he comes from is part of who he’ll always be—that’s universal. Plus, watching De Niro lean into his comedic side again was genuinely delightful.
Production Details:
- Director: Laura Terruso
- Writers: Sebastian Maniscalco, Austen Earl
- Runtime: 89 minutes
- Production Company: Depth of Field, Lionsgate
- Distributor: Lionsgate
- Rating: PG-13 (for suggestive material, language, and some drug use)
Cast:
- Sebastian Maniscalco as Sebastian
- Robert De Niro as Salvo Maniscalco
- Leslie Bibb as Ellie
- Kim Cattrall as Tigger Collins
- David Rasche as Bill Collins
- Anders Holm as Lucky Collins
- Brett Dier as Doug Collins
Final Thoughts:
About My Father won’t change the world, but it just might brighten your evening. It’s a feel-good reminder that the people who embarrass us most often love us the deepest. Light-hearted, fun, and full of heart, it’s worth the watch—especially if you’ve ever had to explain your family to someone new.