The storyline follows Nate Wilcox (Nate Bargatze), a devoted father who has to quickly learn to manage the household on his own. Meanwhile, his wife Katie (Mandy Moore) goes on a business trip after landing a deal on Shark Tank. Nate, struggling at first, learns to handle his girls Sam (Charlotte Ann Tucker), Hadley (Birdie Borria), and Gracie (Stella Grace Fitzgerald). An unorganized person, he doesn't follow calendars, or planners. He does it his own way, calling it the "Dad Era."
I really like that there are a lot of kids in this film. This stood out to me as I watched the movie, and it made me pay more attention to the storyline and be more interested in it. All the actors are really great and believable. My favorite part is when the horse, Cinnamon (Ace), destroys the house and runs away, right before Katie's big interview. After reaching out to a friend, Nate and the girls try their best to make his house look like theirs. It's a tough situation they have been put in, and they almost pull it off. I like how, at the end of the movie, Nate realizes that spending time with family is important, even though they don't have a house. That stood out to me the most. Seeing how this family is brought together, it reminded me how family can be brought together over tough challenges and decisions and how even the silliest things can make you smile. Nate Bargatze portrays Nate Wilcox so well; audiences will be wanting more.
The film's message is about spending time with your family because it is the most important thing, and just a little family time is all you need.
I give The Breadwinner 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on May 29, 2026.
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