Every year, one small film arrives out of nowhere and reminds audiences why cinemas still matter. In 2026, that film is Club Kid. Jordan Firstman’s feature directorial debut, in which he also writes and stars, premiered at Cannes in May to a seven-minute standing ovation, sparked a bidding war that ended with A24 paying a reported $17 million, and opened in limited release on November 6 to some of the year’s best reviews. At the time of writing it holds a 99% score on Rotten Tomatoes, after holding a perfect 100% through its first 80 reviews, and an 81 on Metacritic. It is a comedy-drama about a washed-up New York party promoter who discovers he has a 10-year-old son — and one of the most purely joyful films of the year.
Peter, played by Firstman, is a hard-partying underground club promoter whose life runs on guest lists and after-parties. His world is upended by the arrival of Arlo, played by newcomer Reggie Absolom, a 10-year-old son he never knew he had. Forced to care for a child he is spectacularly unqualified to raise, Peter must decide whether the life he has built is worth keeping, or worth finally growing out of.
| Director | Jordan Firstman |
|---|---|
| Writer | Jordan Firstman |
| Cast | Jordan Firstman, Reggie Absolom, Cara Delevingne, Diego Calva, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Colleen Camp, Vicki Pepperdine |
| Release date | November 6, 2026 (limited, United States) |
| Runtime | 121 minutes |
| Rating | R |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 99% (107 reviews, average 8.6/10) |
| Metacritic | 81/100 (27 critics, “universal acclaim”) |
| Opening weekend | $390,583 from six theatres ($65,097 per theatre) |
| Distributor | A24 |
What Works: A Debut of Rare Confidence
Firstman directs with the confidence of someone who has waited years to make this film. Shot on 35mm by Adam Newport-Berra, with a score by Cristobal Tapia de Veer, it captures the sweat, glitter and 4 a.m. euphoria of New York nightlife without romanticising it. The film is funny in the way only an insider can be funny, but the sincerity underneath the jokes is what makes it special. IndieWire gave it an A- and IGN awarded it 9 out of 10.
The father-son story could easily have curdled into sentimentality, but Firstman keeps it honest. Peter is no secret saint; he is selfish, chaotic and frequently a terrible guardian. The film’s achievement is letting him grow without pretending the growth is easy or complete, and letting Arlo be a real child rather than a plot device. Their scenes together are quietly moving.
What Doesn’t: A Formula, Lovingly Rebuilt
If there is a criticism, it is that the film’s bones are familiar. The irresponsible adult redeemed by an unexpected child is one of cinema’s oldest formulas, and Club Kid rebuilds it with better materials rather than reinventing it. A few vivid supporting characters drift in and out without quite getting their due. But these are small complaints against a film executed with such wit and heart that familiarity barely registers.
Performances That Carry the Film
Firstman is a revelation as a leading man. Known until now mainly as a comedian and social media personality, he plays Peter with manic energy and naked vulnerability, and his work behind the camera is just as assured. Reggie Absolom is extraordinary as Arlo, matching Firstman beat for beat without ever feeling like a child actor performing. Cara Delevingne brings warmth and steel as Sophie, Peter’s business partner, and Diego Calva is quietly excellent as Oscar, the social worker between them. Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Colleen Camp and Vicki Pepperdine fill out Peter’s world with colour and affection.
The Box Office Story Behind the Hit
The commercial story is almost as remarkable as the critical one. After its Cannes premiere in the Un Certain Regard section, where it was nominated for the Caméra d’Or and the Queer Palm, Club Kid drew offers from multiple studios before A24 secured worldwide rights for a reported $17 million. Its limited opening on November 6 earned $390,583 from just six theatres in New York and LA, a per-theatre average of $65,097, the strongest of the weekend, with its total now past $400,000. A wider expansion is reportedly planned around Thanksgiving, and it has already earned Gotham Award nominations for Best Feature and Breakthrough Director.
Verdict
Club Kid is the rare festival darling that earns its hype: funny, big-hearted and beautifully made, a debut that announces a major new filmmaking voice and a father-son story that lands with real emotional force. Seek it out while it is still on the big screen. Our rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Club Kid about?
A hard-partying New York club promoter discovers a 10-year-old son he never knew existed and must learn to be a father.
Who directed Club Kid?
Jordan Firstman wrote, directed and stars in it — his feature directorial debut.
What is Club Kid’s Rotten Tomatoes score?
At the time of writing, it holds 99% on Rotten Tomatoes from 107 reviews, averaging 8.6/10, after holding 100% through its first 80 reviews. Its Metacritic score is 81/100.
When was Club Kid released?
It premiered at Cannes on May 15, 2026 and opened in limited release in the United States on November 6, 2026, distributed by A24.
Is Club Kid worth watching in theatres?
Yes. It is one of the best-reviewed films of the year, with a near-perfect critical score, a strong opening weekend and a wider expansion reportedly planned around Thanksgiving.