🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Paul Weitz
- Genre: Drama, Comedy
- Release year: 2021
- Runtime (length): 1h 49min
- IMDb rating: 6.6/10 (48K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 37%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Kevin Hart tries not to ruin a kid’s life after his wife immediately checks out of parenthood, and almost succeeds.
🍿 Fatherhood: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Tragedy Strikes: A New Father’s Loss
The film opens with Matthew Logelin (Kevin Hart) and his wife Liz expecting their first child. Tragically, Liz passes away unexpectedly shortly after giving birth to their daughter, Maddy. Matt is left to navigate the overwhelming challenges of single fatherhood, grieving the loss of his wife while trying to care for his newborn.

Navigating Single Parenthood
Matt faces the daunting task of raising Maddy alone. He struggles with everything from sleepless nights and diaper changes to the emotional toll of being a single parent. He relies on the support of his friends, Jordan and Oscar, and his and Liz’s families, but ultimately, he’s determined to figure things out on his own. The film highlights the difficulties and heartwarming moments of Matt’s early years as a single father.

Finding Love and Facing New Challenges
As Maddy grows older, Matt begins to explore the possibility of dating again. He meets Lizzie (DeWanda Wise), and a connection forms. However, Matt grapples with balancing his responsibilities as a father with his desire for companionship. Maddy also faces her own challenges at school, dealing with gender stereotypes and fitting in. A pivotal moment occurs when Maddy is injured at school, causing Matt to question his ability to adequately care for her and leading to a temporary separation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Matt Logelin (Kevin Hart): A widowed father who learns to navigate single parenthood after the unexpected death of his wife.
- Maddy Logelin (Melody Hurd): Matt’s daughter, who he raises as a single parent after her mother’s death.
- Marion (Alfre Woodard): Liz’s mother, who provides both support and challenges Matt’s parenting decisions.
- Swan (DeWanda Wise): A woman Matt dates as he adjusts to single fatherhood, representing a possibility for love and a new family dynamic.
- Jordan (Lil Rel Howery): Matt’s supportive best friend who offers comedic relief and unwavering encouragement.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Marion: “Matthew, today was a good day for you as a parent. You keep all these little victories like you had today in a little box inside you. They’ll be your most prized possessions.” – Marion offers words of encouragement to Matt after he navigates a challenging day of solo parenting.
- Matt: “I can do this.” – Matt repeats this to himself as a mantra, especially in the early days of suddenly becoming a single parent, facing immense challenges.
- Matt: “You remind me so much of your mom.” – Matt says this tenderly to Maddy, reflecting on the bond and the shared loss they both experience.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $38,000,000
- Domestic Gross: None
- Worldwide Gross: None
💥 Fatherhood Reviews
Personal Review
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Kevin Hart in a serious role, but he really surprised me. The early scenes of him struggling to care for his baby daughter were both funny and heartbreaking. I found myself completely invested in his journey as a single dad, even though the plot was fairly predictable. The scene in the hospital really got to me. Overall, it was a touching movie that left me feeling good, but maybe a bit sad.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Kevin Hart looking for a dramatic performance”
- “Viewers who enjoy heartwarming family dramas”
- “Single parents and those interested in stories of resilience and overcoming adversity”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Death of a parent”
- “Grief and loss”
- “Brief language”
- “Hospital scenes”
Professional Reviews
- Rotten Tomatoes: “Despite Hart’s sincere performance, ‘Fatherhood’ struggles to rise above its sentimental and predictable plot. It’s a heartfelt but ultimately unremarkable drama.
- IMDB: “Kevin Hart delivers a surprisingly moving performance, but the movie suffers from a lack of depth and a predictable storyline. The humor feels forced, and the overall experience is somewhat bland.
- Common Sense Media: “A feel-good movie that tackles grief and single parenthood, but it lacks substance. While it’s relatable, it doesn’t delve deep into the emotional challenges.
Audience Reactions
Kevin Hart’s performance was surprisingly good.: Most viewers were impressed with Kevin Hart’s serious acting and found the movie heartwarming.
The story, though predictable, resonated with many parents.: Many appreciated the film’s portrayal of the challenges of single parenthood.
Overall Consensus: Fatherhood is a heartwarming but predictable drama, with Kevin Hart delivering a strong performance in a more serious role.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film is based on the memoir ‘Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss and Love’ by Matthew Logelin, chronicling his experiences as a single father after the sudden death of his wife.”
- “Kevin Hart has stated that this role was a departure from his usual comedic roles and allowed him to showcase his dramatic acting abilities.”
- “Filming took place in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.”
🖥️ How to Watch Fatherhood?
Fatherhood is currently streaming on Netflix. While it’s a Netflix exclusive, you may find purchase options through platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu, which offer digital rentals and purchases of films.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Fatherhood, you might like these similar films:
- Three Men and a Baby (1987): A group of bachelors find themselves caring for a baby, showcasing the humor and challenges of unexpected parenthood.
- Kramer vs. Kramer (1979): Explores the complexities of single parenthood and custody battles following a divorce, highlighting the emotional toll on both parents and child.
- About a Boy (2002): Features an immature man learning to grow up through his relationship with a young boy, addressing themes of responsibility and found family.
- Instant Family (2018): A couple adopts three siblings and navigates the ups and downs of foster parenting, blending comedy and heart.
🛒 Fatherhood Related Products
- Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss and Love: The memoir that inspired the film, offering a deeply personal account of Matthew Logelin’s journey through grief and single parenthood.
- Fatherhood [Blu-ray]: Own the physical copy of the film for your collection. Includes bonus content.
- Kevin Hart: Zero F**ks Given [Digital Download]: A funny standup show from Kevin Hart. This stand-up performance showcases Hart’s comedic talent.
- I Love Dad T-Shirt: Comfortable and stylish tee that lets you show off your love for Dad.
🎧 Soundtrack
Fatherhood features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, Fatherhood is based on the memoir “Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss and Love” by Matthew Logelin. The film adapts Logelin’s real-life experiences as a single father after the unexpected death of his wife.
Fatherhood was primarily filmed in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The city served as the backdrop for many of the film’s scenes, providing a realistic and visually appealing setting.
Fatherhood emphasizes the importance of love, resilience, and the enduring bond between a parent and child. It explores the challenges and rewards of single parenthood, highlighting the power of support, sacrifice, and embracing individuality.
🔥 Bonus Content
Exclusive Behind The Scenes Of Fatherhood | Netflix
Ever wonder what it’s *really* like on a movie set? This behind-the-scenes look at ‘Fatherhood’ gives you a sneak peek at the actors and crew bringing the story to life. I was surprised by how much work goes into each scene!
The Best Bloopers from Fatherhood
Need a good laugh? Check out these hilarious bloopers from ‘Fatherhood’! It’s always fun to see the actors break character and have some fun on set. Kevin Hart’s reactions are priceless!
Fatherhood: 13 Times Kevin Hart’s Movie Was Real AF
Want to connect with ‘Fatherhood’ on a deeper level? This video breaks down 13 moments that hit home and felt super real. It really made me appreciate the film’s honesty and emotional depth; it’s a tear-jerker!
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