I don't think this is quite the movie I was expecting it to be. What it is, however, is splendid all the same, and deceptively dark. Star and writer Kelly McCormack has whipped up a terrific screenplay, following protagonist Darren as her ideals, naivete, and illusions set her up for multiple rude awakenings of varying degrees, if not an outright spiral. The film dallies with notions of gender, sex, and social expectations and values, stirring them in like dollops of cookie dough in a vat of ice cream - irregular in size, density, and incidence, but unquestionably contributing to the delicious flavors herein. I also deeply appreciate the place of music in this, and modern expressions of visual art, as they quietly and underhandedly mirror Darren's journey over these 100 minutes. I wasn't entirely sure what it was I was sitting for at the start, but I am so very pleased with the end result - 'Sugar daddy' is fantastic!
I think any basic premise one might read for the picture gives an inaccurate impression of what it actually is. Consider this sentence: "A cash-strapped musician who can't pay her rent becomes an escort on an app for wealthy men and spirals into a dark web of sex and men's control." It sounds like a grim psychological drama, yet even as the story follows Darren in the depths of her personal crisis, it never quite reaches that level of bleakness. This is, instead, more a tale of self-actualization - a tale about an adult who has her assumptions shattered around her, and who has to climb her way up from that wreckage. Along the way McCormack, as writer, gives us gratifyingly smart scene writing, sometimes cutting dialogue, and characters of plentiful complexity. As the star she demonstrates ranged, nuance skill that makes her a solid leading lady, and it's a joy to watch her practice her craft, all the more so because she has a great singing voice. I'm delighted at how excellent music is woven into 'Sugar daddy,' most of it written by Marie-Hélène Delorme and no small amount performed by McCormack herself.
On that note, it's worth again accentuating the visual element, because everyone behind the scenes did a superb job in creating the look and feel of the picture. In this instance I don't even mean so much the filming locations and sets as I do smaller details: mindful, rich use of lighting; fetching costume design, and hair and makeup work; gorgeous effects and choreography; and even Kristin Fieldhouse's cinematography and Christine Armstrong's editing, both wonderfully sharp. This is hardly to leave out Wendy Morgan's expert direction tying together all the many varied elements, including drawing out strong performances from the supporting cast - Colm Feore, Hilary McCormack, and more. And in all other ways this is tremendously well made, perhaps more than one might initially assume based on how little visibility the title has had.
It may not be as intensely absorbing as similar movies to come to call, but I don't think there's any arguing that this is compelling, satisfying, and even rewarding. To the extent that 'Sugar daddy' doesn't have full impact, it's off by only a matter of degrees. Everyone involved has made fine contributions to the success of this feature, in all regards, though given the multiple hats she wears it's safe to say Kelly McCormack stands out above all. I can understand how this may not appeal to all viewers, but I entered with mixed expectations and walk away thoroughly impressed with the movie I've watched. For my part I think this is well worth checking out if you have the chance!
