‘The Breadwinner’ Review: Nate Bargatze’s Big-Screen Vehicle Is Inoffensive to the Point of Total Boredom

In his review of "The Breadwinner," critic Frank Scheck characterizes the big-screen debut of comedian Nate Bargatze as relatable but thoroughly bland. Scripted by Bargatze and Dan Lagana, the film adapts the comedian’s clean, family-oriented stand-up persona into a 90-minute comedy about a father temporarily managing his household alone.

The plot follows Nate (Bargatze), a successful Toyota car salesman who must care for his three young daughters—played by Stella Grace Fitzgerald, Birdie Borria, and Charlotte Ann Tucker—for two weeks. His wife, Katie, played by Mandy Moore, leaves for a trip to South Korea to oversee the production of a new product she has invented.

While Katie is away, Nate struggles with basic domestic tasks. The film depicts him failing to realize a toaster is unplugged, getting covered in dry spaghetti, spraying perfume on dirty laundry, and struggling to navigate the grocery store. Scheck notes that these setups closely mirror elements of older family sitcoms and films like "Mr. Mom," but are presented with a highly laid-back, low-energy execution.

The supporting cast features several notable actors in minor roles. Kumail Nanjiani portrays Nate's jealous colleague, while Colin Jost plays a resentful fellow stay-at-home father. Will Forte appears as an incompetent roofer who integrates into the family, and Kate Berlant is featured in a highly limited capacity.

The film also includes a "Shark Tank" segment where Katie pitches her product, featuring cameos from hosts Kevin O’Leary and Lori Greiner. Other elements include references to the Tennessee Titans and Walmart, alongside a comedic sequence involving a rampaging horse and a recurring gag featuring an air horn.