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Like Father

Like Father is a 2018 American comedy-drama film written and directed by in her feature-length directorial debut. The story follows Alice, a advertising executive played by , who is left at the altar by her fiancé and decides to take her planned honeymoon cruise accompanied by her estranged father Harry, portrayed by . The film explores themes of familial reconciliation, personal growth, and work-life balance as and confront their past during the cruise, joined by comic relief from Harry's friend Frank () and other passengers. Produced by , Like Father premiered on the streaming service on August 3, 2018, with a runtime of 103 minutes. Critical reception was mixed, with the film earning a 48% approval rating from critics on based on 40 reviews, praising its heartfelt moments and performances but critiquing some predictable elements. On , it holds a score of 52 out of 100 from 15 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews. Audiences responded more positively, giving it a 6.1 out of 10 rating on from over 24,000 users.

Background and Development

Concept and Writing

The concept for Like Father originated from a pitch by Anders Bard, who drew inspiration from his work on the 2009 film , envisioning a story about a bride left at the altar who invites her estranged father to join her on a honeymoon cruise as a means of reconnection. , eager to helm the project, pursued the opportunity after learning another writer had been initially attached, ultimately securing the rights to write and direct the script herself following months of persistence and support from her agent. Rogen began writing the screenplay in the summer of 2012, shortly after the release of her previous film For a Good Time, Call..., with the first draft taking nearly two years to complete amid numerous revisions—she estimated close to 17 drafts for the opening 20 pages alone. The script was sold to that same year, marking an early acquisition for the streaming service, though production faced delays that extended over six years before the film's release. Deeply personal elements shaped the writing process, as Rogen channeled her experiences with her mother's early-onset Alzheimer's diagnosis around 2007—when Rogen was 25 and her mother was 55—into the emotional core of the father-daughter reconciliation. This included themes of anger toward uncontrollable circumstances and the pursuit of acceptance, which she infused into the protagonist's arc, stating, "I write what I know a lot. The anger, the acceptance, the rejection of reality. It just sort of crept in there." Rogen's influences drew from classic comedies such as Grumpy Old Men, When Harry Met Sally..., and Parenthood, blending humor with heartfelt family dynamics to explore workaholic isolation and relational repair. The slow pace of writing reflected the emotional weight of these inspirations, allowing Rogen to normalize discussions of family illness in a dramedy format.

Pre-production

Like Father entered pre-production following the completion of its screenplay by around 2014, when the project was acquired by as an original film. The concept originated from an idea developed by producer Anders Bard around 2009, which he pitched to Miller Rogen, leading to her adaptation into a full script after persistent pursuit over several months. Securing financing proved challenging, as traditional studios and independent investors repeatedly rejected the project due to Miller Rogen's status as a first-time without major star attachments at the time. Netflix's early involvement, facilitated by Bowers' connection to executive Matt Levin, provided crucial support for new voices in filmmaking and enabled progression to casting and logistical planning. Miller Rogen, initially insecure about helming , gained confidence through encouragement from and advice from established female directors, solidifying her role behind the camera approximately five years before the 2018 release.

Cast and Filming

Casting

The principal role of Rachel Hamilton, a left at the altar, was cast with after director connected with her through a mutual friend and shared the script for feedback. Bell was selected following a meeting where her intellectual approach to and ability to embody a multifaceted, relatable female protagonist aligned perfectly with the character's emotional depth and authenticity. Kelsey Grammer was chosen to portray Rachel's estranged father, Harry Hamilton, inspired by Rogen's observation of his sharp comedic timing during the production of Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (2016). Upon meeting to discuss the role, Grammer became emotional reading a pivotal scene, demonstrating the warmth, humor, and vulnerability needed for the part; Rogen made the decision almost immediately, valuing his life experience to bring nuance to the father-daughter reconciliation. Supporting cast included , the director's husband, who was initially eyed for a brief as Rachel's jilted groom but instead took on the role of , a charming Canadian fling encountered on the honeymoon . The character was rewritten from a Midwestern to incorporate Canadian stereotypes for humor, allowing Rogen to play against his typical stoner persona as a wholesome, hardworking —a choice that emerged organically during development in . Other key roles featured Danielle Davenport as Vanessa, as Geena, and Zach Appelman as Owen, rounding out the ensemble with performers who complemented the leads' chemistry, as confirmed during table reads.

Filming Locations and Process

Principal photography for Like Father began in , where the cast and crew shot scenes for two weeks. The production then moved to , but was disrupted by in September 2017, forcing the team to remain in Orlando for six days at a Disney World hotel in a near-quarantine setup with the full cast and crew. Filming primarily took place on board Royal Caribbean's cruise ship for 12 days, reduced from an original plan of 14 due to the hurricane's impact. The cast and crew lived aboard the vessel during this period, coordinating shoots around the ship's operational schedule, including restaurant scenes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and deck sequences starting at 7 a.m., while navigating interactions with approximately 5,000 vacationing passengers. Director noted the challenges of the real-world environment, likening it to filming in a bustling location like , with passengers reacting variably from curiosity to mild annoyance. The production was not a paid promotion for the , though it effectively showcased the ship's amenities. Additional exterior scenes were captured in , St. Ann Parish, , including key sequences at the and surrounding areas, highlighting the location's natural beauty for the film's more introspective moments. Despite the weather-related setbacks, the team worked without days off during the cruise ship portion to complete on schedule.

Release and Marketing

Distribution

Like Father was released as a Netflix original film on August 3, 2018, making its worldwide premiere available simultaneously across the streaming platform's international markets. Distributed exclusively by , the film bypassed traditional theatrical distribution in favor of direct-to-streaming availability, aligning with the company's strategy for original content at the time. This approach enabled immediate global access without regional delays, with the movie accessible in over 190 countries on launch day. The distribution model emphasized Netflix's proprietary platform, where Like Father was categorized under original films and promoted within their and genres. No or alternative digital distributors were involved in the initial release, though the film later became available through Netflix's standard licensing agreements in select international territories. This streaming-first rollout contributed to its rapid viewership metrics, reportedly surpassing 10 million streams within weeks of debut.

Promotion

Netflix released the official trailer for Like Father on June 18, 2018, via and its channels, highlighting the film's premise of a jilted (Kristen ) embarking on a with her estranged father () and featuring scenes of onboard activities aboard Royal Caribbean's . The trailer emphasized themes of family reconciliation and humor, garnering attention for the cast including in a supporting role. To build anticipation, aired a 30-second TV commercial spot titled "Like Father" starting July 31, 2018, which promoted the film's streaming debut and focused on the emotional father-daughter dynamic. Promotional efforts included interviews with director and writer , who discussed the film's inspirations from personal family experiences and its development journey in outlets like and , underscoring Netflix's support for female-led stories. The campaign featured a at Theaters in on July 31, 2018, attended by Bell, Grammer, Rogen, and Miller Rogen, where cast members spoke to media about the film's relatable themes of work-life balance and parental bonds. Complementing this, —whose ship served as a key and product —hosted a unique "largest at sea" on August 3, 2018, the film's global release date, screening Like Father simultaneously across four Oasis-class ships (, , Allure, and ) in their AquaTheaters, complete with themed pre-show events like DJ sets and cruise-inspired activities. This partnership amplified visibility by tying the promotion to real cruise experiences depicted in the film, including stops at , . Additional marketing leveraged , with Bell sharing behind-the-scenes content and personal reflections on the project, while promoted the film through its platform banners and email newsletters targeting family drama enthusiasts. The integrated approach with extended to cross-promotions, such as trailer shares on the cruise line's channels, emphasizing the film's authentic portrayal of onboard adventures like the FlowRider and Boleros lounge.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Response

Like Father received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. On , the film garnered a 48% approval rating from 40 reviews, with an average score of 5.4/10; the states that it "unites an alarmingly talented for a predictable rom-com that does nothing to counter the negative stereotypes surrounding the genre." On , it holds a score of out of 100 based on 15 critic reviews, reflecting "mixed or average" reception. Reviewers often highlighted the film's conventional structure as a dramedy about , set aboard a luxury , but noted its formulaic execution limited its impact. Critics frequently commended the lead performances, particularly the chemistry between , as the workaholic bride Rachel Hamilton, and , as her estranged father Harry. of praised their "enjoyable chemistry," especially in a standout scene that provided genuine warmth amid the predictability. Similarly, Matt Fowler of described the acting as "solid," with Bell and Grammer delivering "decent moments of dramatic heft" in exploring the father-daughter bond. Seth Rogen's supporting role as Rachel's love interest also drew positive mentions for his low-key charm, adding levity without overshadowing the central duo. The film's visual appeal, including lush scenery, was another noted strength, with some crediting director Lauren Miller Rogen's confident cinematography. Conversely, much of the criticism focused on the screenplay's lack of originality and heavy reliance on tropes. in called it a "generic " that drags despite its likable stars, likening it to an extended commercial for cruises due to overt . of deemed it "mostly likable if wholly forgettable," assigning 3 out of 5 stars for its easy viewing but criticizing the absence of fresh humor or spontaneity. Ben Kenigsberg of acknowledged it as a "predictable of reconciliation" but stronger than comparable releases, though undermined by synthetic emotional beats and underdeveloped subplots. Overall, while the emotional core resonated for some, the film's tonal inconsistencies and lack of subversion prevented it from standing out in the crowded streaming landscape.

Audience and Cultural Impact

"Like Father" received mixed responses from audiences, earning a 47% approval on from over 500 user ratings. Viewers appreciated the heartfelt exploration of father-daughter reconciliation, with some praising and Kelsey Grammer's chemistry as touching and relatable, particularly for those navigating estranged family relationships. However, others found the narrative predictable and the tone uneven, blending with in a way that felt formulaic. Despite the divided opinions, the film achieved notable viewership success on , accumulating over 10 million streams shortly after its August 2018 release, which director described as a significant milestone for her feature directorial debut. This performance positioned it as an unexpected summer hit amid Netflix's slate of original content, appealing to families and individuals interested in lighthearted yet emotional stories of personal growth. In terms of cultural impact, "Like Father" subtly contributed to discussions on intergenerational family bonds and forgiveness, drawing from Miller Rogen's own experiences with her mother's , which informed the film's emotional undercurrents. While not a landmark in cinema, it aligned with broader trends in accessible, feel-good dramas that resonate during periods of personal reflection, such as post-wedding or holiday viewings. The movie's release also intersected with Miller Rogen's advocacy through Hilarity for Charity, which has raised over $10 million for Alzheimer's research since 2012, amplifying awareness of family caregiving challenges indirectly through her filmmaking.

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