Call Me Dad (2025)
Story overview
A heartwarming family drama about Intan, a young girl whose mother leaves her as collateral for a debt before becoming a migrant worker. When debt collector Dedi arrives to collect, he unexpectedly becomes a father figure to Intan, forming an unconventional family with Tatang. The film explores themes of found family, responsibility, and resilience through a blend of emotional drama and lighthearted comedy.
Parent Guide
A touching drama-comedy about unconventional family formation with moderate emotional themes suitable for elementary school children and up. While dealing with serious topics like parental separation and economic hardship, it maintains a hopeful, family-friendly approach with comedic relief.
Content breakdown
No physical violence. Some tense moments related to debt collection and the peril of a child being left alone. Mild peril when Intan faces uncertainty about her mother's return.
Emotionally intense scenes of a child being separated from her mother and facing uncertainty. The concept of being 'collateral' for debt might be conceptually disturbing but is handled sensitively. No frightening imagery or jump scares.
No offensive language expected in this family-oriented film. Dialogue focuses on emotional connection and everyday communication.
No sexual content or nudity. The film focuses on platonic family relationships and emotional bonds.
No depiction of alcohol, tobacco, or drug use. The characters' challenges are economic and emotional rather than substance-related.
Significant emotional themes including parental separation, economic hardship, and a child's loneliness. However, these are balanced with heartwarming moments of connection, comedic relief, and an ultimately uplifting message about found family.
Parent tips
This Indonesian-South Korean co-production deals with mature themes like debt, parental separation, and economic hardship, but presents them through a hopeful, family-friendly lens. The central relationship between Intan and Dedi shows how unexpected connections can create meaningful bonds. While there are emotional moments of abandonment and struggle, the overall tone is uplifting with comedic elements. Best for children who can understand complex family situations without becoming overly distressed.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
- How did Dedi help Intan feel safe?
- What fun things did the new family do together?
- How did Intan's drawings show her feelings?
- Why did Intan's mother have to leave?
- How did Dedi change from being a debt collector to a caregiver?
- What does 'family' mean in this story?
- What responsibilities come with caring for a child unexpectedly?
- How does the film show economic inequality without being too scary?
- What cultural differences might exist between Indonesian and Korean family values?
- Analyze the social commentary about debt and migrant labor.
- How does the film challenge traditional family structures?
- Discuss the ethical implications of using a child as collateral and how the story resolves this.
Where to watch
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Trailer
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