The story of About My Father: A son caught between two worlds
About My Father follows Sebastian, a successful stand-up comedian and entrepreneur living the high life in Chicago, as his carefully curated world collides spectacularly with his old-school father when love enters the picture. When Sebastian decides to introduce his new girlfriend Ellie—played with warmth by Leslie Bibb—to his traditional, no-nonsense dad (Robert De Niro), what unfolds is a weekend getaway that becomes a masterclass in cultural clash and family dysfunction. The film doesn't pretend to break new ground narratively, but it leans into that fish-out-of-water premise with genuine affection for its characters, even when they're embarrassing each other at every turn. It's the kind of comedy that works because it understands something true: families are weird, messy, and that's exactly why we love them.
Behind the making of About My Father: Sebastian Maniscalco's personal story
Director Laura Terruso brought this project to life with a screenplay co-written by Sebastian Maniscalco himself and Austen Earl, drawing loosely on Maniscalco's real relationship with his own father. That autobiographical DNA matters—you can feel it in the specificity of the cultural tensions and the way the film refuses to punch down at its immigrant characters. Maniscalco, who's built a substantial comedy career on stage and in film, essentially handed Terruso a blueprint from his own life, which gave the production an authenticity that might've otherwise felt forced. The casting of Robert De Niro—a two-time Academy Award winner—alongside Maniscalco was a statement of intent: this wasn't a straight-to-streaming afterthought, but a genuine theatrical comedy with name recognition backing it. The supporting cast includes Anders Holm, David Rasche, and Kim Cattrall, who all lean into the comedy without undermining the film's emotional stakes. Released in 2023 with a runtime of 89 minutes, the film moves with the briskness of a stand-up set, never overstaying its welcome.
What makes About My Father stand out among family comedies
There's something refreshing about a comedy that doesn't try to hide its heart behind irony or cynicism. The thing nobody mentions is that father-son stories are incredibly difficult to pull off without veering into either saccharine territory or complete detachment—but About My Father threads that needle. De Niro, working in comedy mode, brings a grounded quality to his character that prevents the film from becoming a caricature of old-world Italian-American fathers. He's not a punchline; he's a real person with values and confusion and love that he doesn't always know how to express. Maniscalco, meanwhile, plays the modern son with enough self-awareness to be funny without being smug about his success. What's striking is the film's willingness to make both men equally ridiculous and equally sympathetic. The humor doesn't come from mocking either generation—it comes from watching them try, fail, and keep trying to understand each other. Audience reception has leaned into this warmth; the film was described by critics as "big-hearted" and "universally accessible," celebrating the imperfections and embarrassments that actually define real families rather than pretending dysfunction is something to be solved in 89 minutes.
Where to stream About My Father online
If you're looking to catch About My Father, you can currently stream it on Prime Video. The film's availability may vary by region and can change over time, so check the Where to Watch widget at the top of this page for the most up-to-date information on where it's streaming in your area. Movie OTT aggregates streaming availability across multiple platforms, so you won't waste time searching—just check which service you already subscribe to and start watching. Since the film clocks in at just under 90 minutes, it's perfect for a weeknight viewing or a quick laugh when you need something light and family-friendly.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is About My Father based on a true story?
Yes, the film is loosely based on Sebastian Maniscalco's real relationship with his father. Maniscalco co-wrote the screenplay with Austen Earl, drawing from his own experiences and family dynamics, though the story has been fictionalized and adapted for comedy.
Q: Who directed About My Father?
Laura Terruso directed the film from a screenplay by Sebastian Maniscalco and Austen Earl. It's a 2023 American comedy production that brings together Terruso's directorial vision with Maniscalco's personal storytelling.
Q: What's the runtime of About My Father?
About My Father has a runtime of 89 minutes, making it a brisk, punchy comedy that doesn't overstay its welcome and moves at the pace of a well-crafted stand-up set.
Q: Where can I watch About My Father?
About My Father is currently available on Prime Video. For the most current streaming information and to check availability in your region, visit the streaming widget at the top of this page or browse Movie OTT's full catalog of where titles are streaming.
Q: What's the IMDb rating for About My Father?
About My Father holds a 5.8/10 rating on IMDb, reflecting mixed but generally positive audience reception for this father-son comedy that prioritizes heart over critical acclaim.
Final thoughts on About My Father
About My Father won't revolutionize comedy or win major awards, but that's not really what it's trying to do. It's aiming for something simpler and, honestly, more valuable—to capture the messy, loving chaos of family relationships with genuine warmth and humor. If you've ever felt caught between your parents' world and your own, or watched someone you love embarrass themselves trying to impress someone else, you'll find something to latch onto here. The film respects its audience enough not to oversell the sentiment, and that restraint is exactly what makes it work. Grab your Prime Video login and spend 89 minutes with a comedy that actually understands what it means to love your family despite—or maybe because of—all their flaws.
