Frankie's Father's Day Film Picks: Five Movies Celebrating Complex Dad Figures

In celebration of Father's Day, Australian lifestyle publication Frankie has curated a list of five films that explore the multifaceted nature of fatherhood and father figures. The selection spans various genres and eras, highlighting both biological and surrogate dads, and examines themes of cultural identity, masculinity, care, and love. The featured films include Joachim Trier's 2025 Norwegian drama 'Sentimental Value,' starring Stellan Skarsgård and Renate Reinsve, which follows a stage-frightened actress reconnecting with her movie director father. Also included is Mike Mills' 2021 film 'C'mon C'mon,' featuring Joaquin Phoenix as an uncle caring for his young nephew, played by Woody Norman. Wes Anderson's 2001 classic 'The Royal Tenenbaums' is noted for its portrayal of a flawed patriarch, played by the late Gene Hackman, attempting to reconcile with his estranged children. Barry Jenkins' 2016 Oscar-winning 'Moonlight' is celebrated for Mahershala Ali's role as a father figure to the protagonist Chiron, offering a poignant exploration of masculinity. Finally, Bo Burnham's directorial debut 'Eighth Grade' (2018) is praised for its realistic depiction of a single father, played by Josh Hamilton, navigating his teenage daughter's struggles, starring Elsie Fisher. The article encourages readers to watch these films with their own father figures and also suggests other lists on mother-themed films and love stories.