This 18-minute family drama uses Super 8 footage to tell the first twenty years of Eric's life with a single mother. Directed by Corentin Brunie and starring Boris Lehman, it's a poignant look at a boy's impossible emancipation and a mother's consuming pain.
In an age of blockbusters and CGI spectacles, sometimes the most powerful stories are the smallest. When Dad joined Mum (original French title: Quand Papa a rejoint Maman) is a mere 18 minutes long, but it packs an emotional wallop that will stay with you long after the credits roll. This intimate family drama, now playing in Belgian cinemas, offers a deeply personal look at the first twenty years of Eric’s life, from his birth in the South of France to his military service.
What makes this film truly special is its form. The story unfolds through Super 8 reels, giving it an authentic, homemade feel that perfectly mirrors the fragmented memories of childhood. Director Corentin Brunie uses this grainy, nostalgic medium to explore a universal yet deeply personal theme: the struggle to break free from a parent’s grip. The film is not just about Eric’s coming-of-age, but a portrait of his single mother, “a woman being devoured by her pain.”
Did you know that the film features veteran actor Boris Lehman? Lehman, known for his work in Belgian and French cinema, brings a quiet intensity to the role that anchors the narrative. Brunie, a relatively new voice in filmmaking, has crafted a work that feels both autobiographical and timeless. At just 18 minutes, it’s a perfect example of how a short format can deliver a full emotional arc without a single wasted second.
For fans of intimate family dramas and experimental storytelling, When Dad joined Mum is a must-see. It’s a testament to the power of memory, the weight of parental love, and the bittersweet journey of growing up. Catch it while it’s still in theaters—it’s a small gem that deserves your attention.
