![‘The Dads’ Review: A Touching Look At Children In Transition And The Fathers Who Support Them [SXSW]](https://cdn.theplaylist.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/14215013/Dads-on-the-dock-1_1769476656704001XQnv.jpg "‘The Dads’ Review: A Touching Look At Children In Transition And The Fathers Who Support Them [SXSW]")
It’s unlikely anyone will find any trace of resistance to the undeniable fact that, when it comes to parenting, the core purpose of anyone in such a position is to offer love and support; this, truly, is the bedrock upon which a successful relationship between parent and child is built. Any choices a child might make throughout their life are theirs alone, with the parent deciding whether to offer a shoulder to lean on or advice along the way as their offspring make their way through, with the future all but certain. It’s Parenting 101, folks.
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The idea of children deciding as to their gender or identity has come to the forefront in recent years, though far from new, even as re-elected Commander-in-Chief Donald Trump spent the lion’s share of Term Number Two’s early days signing laws into effect defining only two genders and his persistent rhetoric surrounding sex change, coupled with his views on anti-gender-affirming care in minors. From a thousand-foot glance, it’s a tricky subject, but for the dads profiled in a documentary aptly named “The Dads,” it’s nothing with which to be ashamed or disappointed. For them, that endless love and support extended in the direction of the children they’ve raised is as far removed from that seemingly opposing mentality emanating from the recesses of our nation’s capital.
Essentially an full-length version of a 2023 Netflix short carrying the same title, through the brief 71-minute runtime the children at the center take somewhat of a backseat, with the focus shifted largely towards their respective fathers, all framed by an annual Maine-based retreat a group of these men take to camp, fish, and freely discuss their respective family dynamics as they muse aloud about the forces working against them and what tomorrow might hold. There’s Stephen, with a transgender son named Hobbes and a story of how Hobbes learned who he was at a young age. The bond between the two couldn’t be more apparent, as Stephen balances Hobbes’ first days in college with appearances at protest rallies to protect the rights of these children and a plea to keep gender-affirming care in place on a national level. As stated within the film, by June of 2024, nearly half the country had enacted bans on such care; a common, recurring wish throughout involves a need for all those profiled to offer protection as their children grow up, something that becomes increasingly difficult upon Trump’s re-election.
Christoph, the father of two non-binary children, can be seen receiving a haircut at one such retreat, as he explains his acceptance of going from having a son to a child, and muses on how he continues to secretly miss getting a trim with them as they now sport long hair. Just as quickly, his barber offers a comment on how amazing a father Alex has been, emphasizing the depth of the connection these men share and how, in any moment of despair, lifting each other up has become necessary. Many of these men love the outdoors, making their time at the retreat all the more enjoyable. Still, as the final third documents the wake of Trump’s impending second term and several families deciding to flee the country, the visible worry etched on each face becomes hard to unsee. Even as some lament their choice and the difficulties they face once settled into their new foreign homes, regret remains small.
And yet, the retreats continue, with those still residing stateside acknowledging the holes left by their departed brethren as they come from all over the country to maintain that bond. Being a parent can be challenging enough, but the men seen throughout “The Dads” prove there’s nothing difficult in supporting those who call you by that name. It’s a well-made film, one that deserves as wide an audience as possible and will remain relevant as these children grow into the wonderful people each father hopes they’ll become. [A]
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Brian Farvour is a film writer and lifelong movie obsessive whose passion for cinema began with a childhood full of bad movie ideas he never stopped chasing. His work spans news and criticism across multiple outlets.
