A Kid Like Jake
A Kid Like Jake is a 2018 American comedy-drama film directed by Silas Howard and written by Daniel Pearle, based on his own 2013 play of the same name. The film stars Claire Danes, Jim Parsons, Priyanka Chopra, Amy Landecker, Ann Dowd, and Octavia Spencer.
A Kid Like Jake | |
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Theatrical release poster | |
Directed by | Silas Howard |
Produced by |
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Written by | Daniel Pearle |
Based on | A Kid Like Jake by Daniel Pearle |
Starring | |
Music by | Roger Neill |
Cinematography | Steven Calitri |
Edited by | Michael Taylor |
Production company |
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Distributed by | IFC Films |
Release date |
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Running time | 90 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
It had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 2018. Distributed by IFC Films, A Kid Like Jake had a limited release on June 1, 2018. The film received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for the performances of its cast.
Plot
Alex (Claire Danes) and Greg Wheeler (Jim Parsons) struggle with their four-year-old son's gender identity when they realize he might be transgender. Alex and Greg struggle to figure out what's best for their son as they apply for him to go to a private kindergarten in New York City.
Cast
- Claire Danes as Alex Wheeler, a nervous newly pregnant mother, Greg's wife and Jake's mom.
- Jim Parsons as Greg Wheeler, a licensed master social worker, Jake's father and Alex's husband
- Priyanka Chopra as Amal, Alex and Greg's single mother friend
- Leo James Davis as Jake Wheeler, Alex and Greg's preschool age son
- Amy Landecker as Sandra, Greg's client who is facing marital issues
- Ann Dowd as Catherine, Alex's mom
- Octavia Spencer as Judith "Judy" Lawson, Jake's preschool principal
- Aasif Mandvi as Darren, Amal's boyfriend
- Rhys Bhatia as Sanjay, Amal's child
- Annika Boras as Lynn
Production
On February 24, 2017, it was announced that Claire Danes and Jim Parsons had been cast in the drama film adaptation of A Kid Like Jake, a play by Daniel Pearle who would also adapt; while Silas Howard would direct. Parsons and Todd Spiewak would be producing the film through their banner That's Wonderful Productions along with Eric Norsoph,[1] Paul Bernon for Burn Later, and Rachel Song for XS Media.[2]
On May 12, 2017, Octavia Spencer was cast in the film, while Priyanka Chopra, Ann Dowd, and Michaela Watkins were in negotiations to be cast.[3][4] In July 2017, Amy Landecker joined the cast.[5]
Principal photography on the film began in June 2017 in Brooklyn, New York City.
Release
The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 2018.[6] Shortly after, IFC Films acquired U.S. distribution rights to the film.[7] It received a limited release on June 1, 2018.[8] Playing in 13 theaters, the film grossed $44,824.[9]
Reception
The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 49% approval rating based on 45 reviews, and an average rating of 6.2/10.[10] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 60 out of 100, based on 19 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[11]
The Hollywood Reporter called the film a "lovely comedy-drama".[12] The Associated Press gave the film three out of four, writing "Both Danes and Parsons excel in these well-written roles, with a compelling supporting cast around them that includes Octavia Spencer, Priyanka Chopra, Ann Dowd and Amy Landecker. A Kid Like Jake might not be especially cinematic, but it is profound in its simplicity and truthfulness about what real fights sound like and what real lives look like."[13]
References
- Setoodeh, Ramin (February 24, 2017). "Claire Danes, Jim Parsons to Star in Transgender Family Drama 'A Kid Like Jake' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Penske Business Media. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
- McNary, Dave (July 12, 2017). "Amy Landecker Joins Jim Parsons-Claire Danes Drama 'A Kid Like Jake'". Variety. Penske Business Media. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
- Lodderhose, Diana (May 12, 2017). "Octavia Spencer Joins Claire Danes & Jim Parsons For 'A Kid Like Jake' – Cannes". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Business Media. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
- Kroll, Justin (May 30, 2017). "Priyanka Chopra Joins Rebel Wilson's 'Isn't It Romantic,' 'A Kid Like Jake' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Penske Business Media. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
- Hipes, Patrick (July 12, 2017). "Amy Landecker Joins The Class For Indie Drama 'A Kid Like Jake'". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Business Media. Retrieved July 12, 2017.
- Debruge, Peter (November 29, 2017). "Sundance Film Festival Unveils Full 2018 Features Lineup". Variety. Penske Business Media. Retrieved November 29, 2017.
- Hipes, Patrick (February 1, 2018). "IFC Films Acquires Sundance Pic 'A Kid Like Jake'". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Business Media. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
- "A Kid like Jake". IFC Films. Retrieved March 31, 2018.
- "A Kid Like Jake". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 11 March 2019.
- "A Kid Like Jake (2018)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved June 21, 2018.
- "A Kid Like Jake Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved June 14, 2018.
- Felperin, Leslie (January 24, 2018). "'A Kid Like Jake': Film Review - Sundance 2018". The Hollywood Reporter. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved June 21, 2018.
- Bahr, Lindsey (May 30, 2018). "Review: A timely parenting drama in 'A Kid Like Jake'". Associated Press. Retrieved June 21, 2018.