Slideshow: Closing Night of 2022 Chicago Critics Film Fest with Patton Oswalt & ‘I Love My Dad’

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Three of Four: Claudia creates atmosphere while Patton seeks approval.

CHICAGO – The 9th Chicago Critics Film Festival (CCFF) wrapped on May 19th, 2022, with the featured Closing Night film, “I Love My Dad.” The film stars Patton Oswalt and James Morosini (who also wrote and directed the film), and both appeared on behalf of the film, in addition to cast members Claudia Sulewski and Amy Landecker. Photographer Joe Arce took Exclusive Portraits of the cast and director, accessible in the Slideshow below.

Inspired by writer/director/lead actor James Morosini’s true life experience, “I Love My Dad” follows Chuck (Patton Oswalt), an estranged father who desperately wants to reconnect with his depressive son, Franklin (Morosini). Blocked on social media and concerned for his son’s life, Chuck impersonates a waitress named Becca (Claudia Sulewski) online and starts checking in with Franklin, unbeknownst to his ex-wife Diane (Amy Landecker). But things begin to spiral downward when Franklin falls for this imaginary girl and wants nothing more than to meet her in person, as Chuck has inadvertently “catfished” his own son.

“I Love My Dad” was the Audience Award honoree for narrative feature at the 9th CCFF, mirroring its win as Best Narrative at the SXSW Festival. Additionally, “2nd Chance,” about the man (Richard David) who invented the concealable bulletproof vest, received the Audience Award for documentary. Two short films earned the Audience Award from each program: “My Dudus” directed by Tom Krawczyk, and “The Sentence of Michael Thompson,” directed by Haley Elizabeth Anderson and Kyle Thrash. 

For the “I Love My Dad” Slideshow, click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos © Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com.

1. LOVEDAD1: Amy Landecker, Patton Oswalt, James Morosini and Claudia Sulewski of ‘I Love My Dad.’
2. LOVEDAD2: Patton Oswalt is Dad Chuck in ‘I Love My Dad’ at the 9th CCFF.
3. LOVEDAD3: Writer/director/actor James Morosini of ‘I Love My Dad.’
4. LOVEDAD4: Claudia Sulewski is Becca in ‘I Love My Dad.’
5. LOVEDAD5: Amy Landecker is Diane in ‘I Love My Dad.’
6. LOVEDAD6: Patton Oswalt and Amy Landecker portray ex-spouses in ‘I Love My Dad.’
7. LOVEDAD7: Father/Son of ‘I Love My Dad’: Patton Oswalt and James Morosini.
8. LOVEDAD8: James Morosini and Amy Landecker of ‘I Love My Dad.’
9. LOVEDAD9: Backstage at the 9th CCFF with Patton, Claudia and James.
10. LOVEDAD10: One of Four: Patton and Claudia at the 9th CCFF.
11. LOVEDAD11: Two of Four: Patton and Claudia imitate the ‘Drama Masks.’
12. LOVEDAD12: Three of Four: Claudia creates atmosphere while Patton seeks approval.
13. LOVEDAD13: Four of Four: The Alchemy of Patton and Claudia.

By PATRICK McDONALD Editor and Film Writer HollywoodChicago.com [email protected]