Our Father

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.

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.

I loved this film! Heart-wrenching, Beautiful and Suberbly Acted! The story is very touching and thought provoking. This is definitely a film that most of us can relate to. Linda Palmer, the writer/ director guides the magnificent actors with a gentle, yet steady, hand.

Michael Gross stuns as the estranged father suffering from dementia. An amazingly brave performance.

Michael Worth is breath taking as his care-giving son. Eileen Grubba is wonderful and I loved David Topp as the grandson. What a fantastic talent he is! The production was great! The only problem I have with the film is that I would love it to be made into a full length title.

An amazing film about the effects of dementia. It delivers a powerful emotional experience combined with outstanding performances led by Michael Gross and Michael Worth. The atmosphere created is authentic and portrays a frustrated and exhausted family caring for a dad who suffers from dementia. The setting of a bathroom is unique and creates an intense experience. The theme will resonate with many people around the world who deal or have dealt with these issues while caring for loved ones. Our Father is an example of amazing writing, direction and acting. Linda Palmer's clear vision and superb storytelling makes this a must-see film. 

"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.