Another documentary on Apple Plus, "Dads" is the directorial debut of Bryce Dallas-Howard.
Starting with her own father, Bryce Dallas-Howard interviews a number of actors and comedians about their thoughts and feelings on being a father. Those soundbite style interviews intersperse with several longer stories from various fathers around the world, about their lives and how parenthood has changed them.
I am a dad, so some aspects of the films did really speak to me - especially the stories about the difficult birth and having children with complex needs, as I've experienced both of those. I liked the soundbite interviews, the humorous anecdotes and the moments of touching honesty when the various celebrities broke down a little. It was nice to see some family stuff related to the Howards, the (slightly weird) videos they made for each child and the interviews with her brother as he was preparing to become a dad for the first time. There was a diverse range of situations from the different subjects, but perhaps showing a universal theme of it being time for Dad's to take a more central role in bringing up children and that there shouldn't be any more taboos about that situation.
I say all this, because ultimately, I felt that as a documentary it was a bit slight. It was charming, and funny but didn't really tell me anything I didn't already know. I've no regrets about watching it, but I can't imagine I'll ever have the inclination to watch it again.
