CLUB KID - Review | Cannes Film Festival 2026

Jordan Firstman's latest film may be labeled as the gay version of an Eugenio Derbez film, Instructions Not Included. Yet, the perfect balance of lighthearted and dark humor with its relentless pace and exquisite visuals, these aspects make Club Kid vastly superior with how remarkably well Firstman helms this film. Not to mention, the charisma and naturalness that he brings as the troubled lead character who gets a wake-up call to fix his life when an unexpected visitor arrives. Even then, seeing him deal with his past come to back to haunt him while on his redemption path is when it becomes something far more emotionally resonant. Including a fantastic breakout performance from Reggie Absolom along with the rest of the layered ensemble, its familiar story beats are overshadowed by the exquisite, hilarious, and raw perspective that Firstman brings to one of the best directorial debuts in a while.

Still Courtesy – A24

Set against the vibrant underground nightlife of New York City, the story follows Peter (portrayed by Jordan Firstman), a charismatic club promoter whose carefree, party-driven lifestyle revolves around excess and late-night revelry. His world is thrown into disarray when he unexpectedly learns he has a 10-year-old son named Arlo (portrayed by Reggie Absolom), who is suddenly placed in his care. Forced to balance the responsibilities of parenthood with the chaotic life he's always known, Peter must confront the realities of growing up while redefining what family means to him.

After establishing himself as a writer, actor, and internet personality through viral comedy videos, television writing, and memorable screen appearances—including Rotting in the Sun—Jordan Firstman makes an assured transition into feature filmmaking with Club Kid. Premiering in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, the film showcases a filmmaker who channels his distinctive comedic voice into something far more emotionally revealing, blending outrageous humour with genuine vulnerability in an impressive directorial debut.

At first glance, the premise recalls films like Instructions Not Included, swapping its heterosexual family dynamic for a refreshingly queer perspective on unexpected parenthood. Yet the similarities end there, as Club Kid quickly carves out an identity all its own through Firstman's confident direction and infectious energy. The film effortlessly balances lighthearted comedy with darker, more bittersweet humour, maintaining a relentless pace without sacrificing emotional sincerity. Every frame bursts with vibrant colour and stylish visual flair, perfectly complementing the chaotic nightlife setting while giving the story an irresistible sense of momentum.

Firstman also proves to be an engaging leading man, bringing effortless charisma and authenticity to a washed-up New York party promoter whose carefree existence is suddenly disrupted by the arrival of a child he never knew he had. Watching him stumble through fatherhood provides plenty of laughs, but the film's greatest strength lies in how it gradually confronts him with the consequences of his past. As old mistakes resurface and unresolved emotional wounds begin to open, the narrative evolves into a surprisingly touching story about accountability, personal growth, and learning that redemption is rarely straightforward.

Supporting that journey is a terrific ensemble led by a breakout performance from Reggie Absolom, whose natural screen presence adds both warmth and emotional depth to the unlikely father-son relationship. While the story occasionally follows familiar beats associated with redemption dramas, those conventions are elevated by Firstman's uniquely funny, raw, and deeply personal perspective. Rather than relying on sentimentality, Club Kid earns its emotional payoffs through honesty and sharp character work, resulting in one of the most confident and memorable directorial debuts in recent years.

Verdict

9/10