Oh look, a review that isn't for a book! I received a pass to attend a virtual screening of Don't Make Me Go a day ahead of the official release on Amazon Prime, so let's get into it!
This review will contain NO spoilers.
This film is about a single father Max (John Cho) who finds out he has a terminal illness and chooses to forego surgery in favor of spending the remainder of his time making things right and teaching his daughter Wally (Mia Isaac) everything she could possibly need to know for the remainder of her life. He takes her on a cross-country road trip where, unbeknownst to Wally, he intends to reconnect her to her estranged mother Nicole (Jen Van Epps).
The relationship between Max and Wally feels anchored in reality. Max raised Wally on his own for years, so he trusts her and her decision-making skills, which Wally at times is able to take advantage of (and get appropriately disciplined for when he finds out the truth). Mia Isaac, a teenager herself, portrayed teenage Wally in a way that made it easy to relate to, even at my ripe old age of 32, and John Cho's Max made me anxious as a single parent myself and question all my parenting decisions (in the best possible way).
This film was a roller coaster ride of emotions, providing both heartwarming and heartbreaking moments. I fell deeply into this world and was excited to see what the outcome would be to their story. Unfortunately, a surprise twist in the third act pulled me out of it. It felt unnecessary and forced, leaving me feeling unsure how I felt about the film as a whole once it ended.
In the end, I would probably give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars. The performances were wonderful, the story was lovely, but that third act twist really dropped it in my mind. I would recommend seeing this film, but keep your expectations low and hopefully you won't be left as dissatisfied as I was.
This film is rated R and opens on a nude beach. Do not watch with children around (or be prepared to turn your laptop screen away quickly like I did the second I realized what was happening).
Don't Make Me Go is available to stream free now with your Amazon Prime subscription.
