Our Father

This short film written and directed by Linda Palmer stars Michael Gross as, John, a formerly brutish father beset by Alzheimer's and Michael Worth as, Jared, the conflicted son reluctantly tasked to care for him. The film is a short 22 minutes as Jared struggles with his father who vacillates between infantile helplessness and abusive rage. In the conflict between father and son, secrets of the older man's past emerge and give the son a new understanding of his father's anger. The film is well paced and beautifully filmed using reflective surfaces to indicate the emotional double life of John. Except for a couple of short scenes in a closet and several flashbacks, the bulk of the film takes place in the bathroom as Jared struggles to coax his father into performing daily necessities. Frustration and anger is palpable in the film, but Palmer deftly relieves the strain with well-placed flashbacks and the patient ministrations of Danny, John's gentle grandson played by David Topp. Michael Gross's and Michael Worth's performances are riveting.

This story was very touching and moving. Thoroughly enjoyed the movie. Short stories can pack a heartfelt punch - and this one certainly does a great job at that! There were some nice twists in this short film so I will not comment on the specifics of the story so as to allow the viewer to enjoy it firsthand.

I was impressed with the acting and the direction. I thought the filmmakers were very creative in how they visually shared the main character's back story through the course of the film. It was refreshing to see the filmmakers rely on the strength of the script and the acting to showcase a strong narrative. In addition to strong storytelling and direction, the title song was spot on emotionally and only strengthened the theme of the story. I would highly recommend this film for viewing. It recently started on the festival circuit and is doing very well. Continued success to the filmmakers!

I just finished watching Our Father and it is an incredibly moving story of compassion and caring for an all too common affliction of dementia in our society today.

Jared (Michael Worth) shows an example of compassion along with his son, Danny (David Topp), that should be the standard for family care providers dealing with such an issue.

John (Michael Gross) brought an amazingly realistic portrayal to his role as the afflicted father, and his bravery to take on such a delicate subject and powerful performance is a must-see!

Linda Palmer's direction and tightly written script explore the depths of emotion and deep-seated family issues. In addition, the flashbacks fill in the void of the long missing detail from John's fractured mind that can explain and help heal his family.

Viewed OUR FATHER and have to say, it is emotionally intense. What was revealed in John's (portrayed by Michael Gross) moment of clarity I did NOT see coming and the subject was gripping! A cleverly weaved storyline that touches on dementia and the contentious relationship between a father and son. His past deeds as a father and his illness has a demonstrative, negative affect with every member of the family. I couldn't help thinking throughout the film, I hope I don't get this disease. I am a father and have grown children who love me. I've made my share of mistakes along the way. This film reminds you, how important family is and don't wait to have that perfect relationship with your love ones before a crisis occurs. I believe, many will walk away from this important film, will have a new and profound understanding of dementia and forgiveness.

"Our Father", a short film written and directed by Linda Palmer, opens with a steady build-up leading me from curious to overwhelmed with emotion. John played by Michael Gross was nothing less than amazing in his portrayal of a man in the grip of late stage dementia with incredibly realistic behavior bordering on schizophrenic. Michael Worth who portrays Jared was so convincing in his role as somewhat estranged son, that I truly felt his anguish, anger and frustration in his hopeless attempt to be the good son. Eileen Grubba (Kate) and David Topp (Danny) were perfectly cast as wife and son trying their best to support Jared and help care for his rapidly deteriorating absentee father as he tries to understand who his dad is why wasn't he there for him.