Directed by Thomas Angeletti and written by leading actor Timothy J. Cox, Ben (George R. Hildebrand) is a widower who misses his wife Maggie but finds solace in his weekly meetings with his actor son, Jason (Cox). On this day, Ben reveals to Jason that he has hired a prostitute, not for sexual favours, but simply for companionship.

One of the really interesting points that Timothy J. Cox brings up with Sundays with Dad is how it can be difficult for people to see their parent as a person. Everything is filtered by the experience of growing up and so it takes that bit of extra effort to think about what they need, especially when it comes to loneliness. Cox does a good job of capturing that conversation, of nudging someone in the right direction to open their perspective and empathy.

He also touches upon the concept of sex work and how it can be misunderstood or seen in a very old-fashioned manner. Exploring how it’s not necessarily sleazy or even inherently sexual, for some it’s simply about human connection. Thomas Angeletti then gives us that story through a wholesome, nicely casual lens. The way it presents itself has an old-fashioned charm, a simplicity and everyday feel.

That’s then echoed by the performances from Cox and George R. Hildebrand. They have a natural chemistry, a little bit of banter and plenty of sweetness. Cox does a great job finding that balance between judgemental and open-minded. Having that initial pull back but he makes Ben aware enough to listen and have compassion for his father. Whereas Hildebrand gives us a more emotional note, really hitting the theme of loneliness strongly.

The performance wavers a little bit when the emotions take over more intensely, as well as being hindered by the score hitting heavily. It feels as though Hildebrand’s big monologue runs long and needed to taper off slightly earlier to retain its impact and keep things moving.

It is something Sundays with Dad struggles with, it’s drawing itself out further than it needed to. While the casual, natural nature does flow well, once the emotions take over, it slows down a touch too much. However, the quality of the visual is sharp, there’s a great clarity to the aesthetic. It maybe could have used a little bit more texture to add some individual personality and extra warmth but it’s solid work.

Sundays with Dad is a sweet look at the father-son relationship and how we can have blinders on when it comes to family. It’s a great discussion of loneliness and empathy, Timothy J. Cox and George R. Hildebrand have a very natural, convincing connection. The style is extremely wholesome and charming, it simply needed a few adjustments to reach its full potential.

Verdict: ✯✯✯½ | 7/10