You’re Not Ready To See Josh O’Connor Play a Sad Dad

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At the end of 2024, when the lineup for Sundance was unveiled, one of the most surprising visuals was that of Josh O’Connor, alongside Mr. La Chimera and Patrick Zweig Double Threat himself. Previously, we’ve watched Josh in historical dramas (Emma, La Chimera), rural settings (God’s Own Country), and even engaging in a friendly tennis match with his adversary, Art Donaldson (Mike Faist). However, Sundance presented an entirely new side of Josh O’Connor. In Max Walker-Silverman’s Rebuilding, we see Josh wearing a cowboy hat and standing beside a child – a role we haven’t seen him play before.

It seems like it might be the case, or perhaps it’s already time for Josh O’Connor to step into his “Sad Dad” phase, as we’ve seen Paul Mescal, Harris Dickinson, and Charles Melton do so in their respective roles.

In the movie “Rebuilding“, actor O’Connor portrays Dusty, a Colorado rancher who suffered the devastating loss of his ancestral property due to a wildfire. Losing his home is hard enough, but the tragic disaster occurred after what appears to have been a challenging period in his life. Dusty shares a daughter, Callie Rose (played by Lily LaTorre), with Ruby (Meghann Fahy) – his former partner who resides in the suburbs with her caring mother and new boyfriend. After the fire, the government moves him and other displaced individuals into a dilapidated trailer on a desolate patch of land. With no permanent home, little family support, and no Wi-Fi for when Callie Rose visits his new trailer to complete her schoolwork on her tablet, O’Connor skillfully conveys Dusty’s despair as a constant burden, with his shoulders stooped and gaze fixed on the ground beneath him.

As a film enthusiast, I found Walker-Silverman’s movie to be quite intense, but the scenes between O’Connor and LaTorre were a refreshing relief. Their natural, effortless chemistry made their interactions a highlight of the film. With Callie Rose, Dusty seemed to find a glimmer of hope amidst his sorrow – there was a spark of humor and light-heartedness hidden beneath all he’s been through in recent months. Without each other, they’d be lost, like two travelers wandering aimlessly in the desert.

I must admit, watching O’Connor portray a sad dad isn’t an easy feat. He embodies his new role as a young father convincingly, neither overplaying the awkwardness nor appearing too youthful for the part. In truth, he exudes the demeanor of a real-life young father, one who may not have anticipated all the challenges that come with starting a family. O’Connor delivers this role with a heartfelt maturity, making it seem more authentic than donning a large cowboy hat (though he does try).

While Dusty started to gravitate towards fatherhood toward the end of La Chimera, his character Arthur formed a bond with Italia’s children. However, even in that series, he had the luxury of being away from the kids, allowing him some respite from parenting responsibilities.

When Callie Rose is off-screen, it’s always evident that Dusty is preoccupied with thoughts of her. He ensures his trailer is welcoming and comfortable for her, so she feels drawn to return.

Dusty aimlessly roams, Dusty broods deeply. There’s no denying that Dusty yearns for his past love, yet her current partner seems ordinary enough that he finds it hard to feel resentment. Previously, O’Connor has portrayed such characters in works like La Chimera and the critically acclaimed Sundance film God’s Own Country, where his character moves sorrowfully across landscapes. Nevertheless, the fictional parental duties he bears hold him back from straying too far into a vast expanse of wistful melancholy; he must balance parenthood with maintaining optimism. In truth, this role might just be one of O’Connor’s most cheerful performances to date.

Throughout much of the movie, Walker-Silverman’s film is remarkably free from conflict and surprisingly tender. However, Dusty eventually succumbs to the weight of his sorrow, triggering an outpouring of emotion. Oh, Dusty, please don’t endure so much pain! You’re an outstanding father, and I’m not just saying that because Josh O’Connor has been in other films I admire. In fact, Dusty could benefit from being a bit more rugged, as we often see O’Connor excel when he’s portraying a grittier character, even as a father.

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2025-01-27 23:54