“Club Kid” is a Miraculous Crowd-Pleaser That Will Tear Your Heart Out [TIFF 2026 Review]

The Most Talked About Film at TIFF 2026…

Jordan Firstman’s Club Kid was the talk of the town at this year’s TIFF. As well as Telluride. And Cannes. Whatever film festival this film goes to, it invites the kind of enthusiasm that can shake mountains. Going in, I was nervous that Club Kid wouldn’t live up to the lofty expectations I had set for it. But, it did not disappoint. In fact, it surpassed, or rather, blew my expectations out of the water.

What is Club Kid About?

This film follows a gay party promoter in New York named Peter who discovers he has a ten-year-old kid from the one and only time he had sex with a woman. He then must throw away all of the drugs, exit the chaos and man up to become the father that his boy needs. But, even if Peter gives up everything for his newfound son… Will it be enough?

Is this a story that we’ve seen done a million times before? YES. But, never quite like this. Firstman uses his directorial debut, not just to tell a sweet story… But, to craft a character study of a Peter Pan-like man who never wants to grow up and has never quite believed in himself. The gay nightlife scene has also never been explored this authentically in a mainstream film before.

How is the Cast?

But, the biggest joy of Club Kid, is to see the eclectic group of misfits surrounding this lead character band together to help take care of Peter’s kid. The old addage “it takes a village” has never been more applicable. Actors like Cara Delevingne, Nigil Whyte, Elder Isgandarov, Saturn Risin9, and Diego Calva all get time to shine, as Peter’s eccentric village. With this ensemble cast, Firstman is able to mine an enormous amount of laughs. Surprisingly, Club Kid isn’t just a drama with a few jokes sprinkled within… this is truly one of the funniest films of the year.

But, the film belongs to writer, director & star Jordan Firstman. Although the Best Actor race at this year’s Oscar’s is very competitive, Firstman 100% deserves a nomination. There is a scene in this film where Firstman lays bare all of his emotions in a monologue that brought me to tears. Reggie Absolom as Peter’s son Arlo, is revelatory in what is easily one of the most genuine & raw “kid actor” performances I have ever seen.

Club Kid Takes Some Big Swings that Pay Off…

I think I resonated with this film so deeply, because Peter reminds me a lot of the man I was in my twenties… directionless and so caught up in the “scene” that I had forgotten when to grow up. So, some viewer’s mileage might vary based on how well they are able to connect with the lead character. But, I believe that even if you aren’t in the LGBTQ+ community, there will be something in Club Kid that will profoundly resonate with you, as well.

Firstman really takes some bold risks in the final act of the film. The route he takes Club Kid might not be the one you are expecting… or hoped for. But, this swing that he takes, makes the film feel even more authentic… and packs an emotional wallop that will stick with you long after the film is over. Although it doesn’t always give you what you want on a silver platter… Club Kid is nonetheless, a film that will warm your heart and make you want to stand up and cheer.

Is Club Kid One of the Best Films of the Year?

This is not just one of the best films of TIFF or of the year… Club Kid is one of the funniest, sincerest, most genuinely moving and heartfelt films I have ever seen.

Club Kid will be released theatrically on November 6th, 2026. It had it’s Canadian Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

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