Problem Child

In a sun‑splashed suburb where the pursuit of a perfect family feels like a public performance, Ben Healy Jr. finds himself caught between the expectations of his domineering father and the quiet desperation of his marriage. His wife Flo longs for a child, yet the couple’s attempts to start a family have been met with disappointment, leaving them both yearning for a fresh start and a chance to rewrite the script of their lives. Their world is one of tidy lawns and neighborhood expectations, punctuated by the political ambitions of Ben’s father, whose larger‑than‑life presence looms over every family gathering.

Enter Junior, a bright‑eyed seven‑year‑old with an uncanny knack for turning everyday moments into unforgettable mayhem. Adopted through a dubious agency, he arrives with a mischievous grin that hints at both innocence and a deeper, unpredictable energy. The Healy household quickly becomes a stage for slapstick chaos, as Junior’s off‑the‑wall humor and bewildering pranks upend the orderly rhythm that Ben and Flo have tried so hard to maintain. The film balances this uproar with a warm, off‑beat comedy tone, letting the audience feel both the exasperation and the endearing charm that such a wild child can inspire.

At its core, the story explores the messy alchemy of love, acceptance, and the desire to belong. As Ben grapples with his own identity—struggling to step out of his father’s shadow while confronting his fears of inadequacy—Junior’s presence forces the couple to confront what it truly means to be a family. The setting remains grounded in suburban familiarity, but the atmosphere crackles with a quirky, slightly chaotic energy that suggests the ordinary can quickly become extraordinary when a child’s imagination runs wild. The film promises a heartfelt, laugh‑filled journey that asks: can the messiest of arrivals become the most cherished of bonds?

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 13:37