I Love My Dad (2022) Ending Explained
tl;dr: I Love My Dad (2022) is a darkly comedic and deeply uncomfortable film about a desperate father, Chuck (Patton Oswalt), who catfishes his estranged son, Franklin (James Morosini), by posing as a waitress named Becca online. The ending escalates the absurdity as Franklin falls for "Becca" and Chuck's lies spiral out of control, culminating in a disastrous meet-up where Franklin discovers the truth. The film concludes with a bittersweet moment of reconciliation, as Franklin, though traumatized, acknowledges his father's flawed attempt at connection, leaving their relationship in a fragile but hopeful state.
The Climactic Reveal and Emotional Fallout
The ending of I Love My Dad reaches its peak when Franklin, believing he's finally meeting Becca in person, arrives at a diner only to see his father sitting in her place. The realization that his romantic interest was actually his dad all along is horrifying and emotionally shattering for Franklin. The scene is played for both cringe-inducing comedy and deep pathos, as Chuck's well-intentioned but grotesque deception collapses in the worst possible way. Franklin storms out, leaving Chuck to confront the consequences of his actions. The film doesn't shy away from the psychological damage inflicted - Franklin is left humiliated, betrayed, and deeply hurt, questioning not just his father's judgment but his own trust in people.
The Aftermath and Attempt at Reconciliation
Following the disastrous reveal, the movie shifts to a quieter, more reflective tone. Franklin and Chuck eventually have a raw, emotional conversation where Chuck explains that he only wanted to reconnect with his son, even if his methods were catastrophically misguided. Franklin, though still wounded, recognizes the desperation behind his father's actions. The final scene shows them sitting together in silence, a tentative step toward healing. This conclusion suggests that while their relationship is far from fixed, there's a glimmer of hope - Franklin hasn't fully forgiven Chuck, but he's willing to acknowledge his father's love, however flawed its expression.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Interpretations
- Does Franklin ever fully forgive Chuck?
- The film leaves this ambiguous, suggesting that forgiveness is a process. Franklin may never forget the betrayal, but he might learn to move past it.
- Will Chuck ever learn healthy ways to connect with his son?
- His final moment with Franklin implies self-awareness, but his history of poor judgment leaves his growth uncertain.
- How does this experience affect Franklin's future relationships?
- The trauma of being catfished by his own dad could make him distrustful, or it might teach him to value honesty in future connections.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
I Love My Dad is a deeply uncomfortable yet oddly touching film that walks a fine line between absurdist comedy and painful family drama. The ending is both horrifying and strangely moving - Chuck's actions are indefensible, yet his underlying loneliness and love for his son make him a tragic figure rather than a pure villain. The film's strength lies in its willingness to embrace the messiness of human relationships without offering easy answers. While the premise is extreme, it serves as a metaphor for how parents sometimes hurt their children in the name of love. The final scene's quiet hopefulness feels earned, though the road to true reconciliation would undoubtedly be long.
Final Thoughts on the Film's Message
At its core, I Love My Dad is about the lengths people go to for connection, even when their methods are destructive. The ending doesn't provide a neat resolution because real relationships-especially those damaged by betrayal-don't heal overnight. Instead, it offers a moment of uneasy truce, suggesting that love can persist even through profound mistakes. The film's uncomfortable humor serves a purpose: it forces the audience to sit with the awkwardness of human imperfection. While not everyone will appreciate its tonal balancing act, those who stick with it will find a surprisingly poignant story about flawed people trying (and often failing) to do their best.