Comedian Nate Bargatze makes his feature film debut in the family comedy The Breadwinner, which is available to rent or own on digital platforms as of November 2024. Directed by Eric Appel, the film follows a stay-at-home father navigating household chaos, and features an ensemble cast including Mandy Moore, Colin Jost, and Will Forte.
Plot and Production Background
The Breadwinner centers on Nate Wilcox (Bargatze), a salesman whose life shifts when his wife, Katie (Moore), finds success with a household invention. After Katie secures a deal on Shark Tank and departs for a business trip, Nate is left to manage their three children and the household. The film explores the comedic friction of his transition into the "dad era," as he attempts to maintain order despite his unconventional methods.
The screenplay was written by Bargatze and Dan Lagana. The film’s supporting cast includes notable comedic talent such as Zach Cherry, Martin Herlihy, Kate Berlant, Kumail Nanjiani, and Will Forte. Production was led by Jeremy Latcham, Bargatze, and Lagana, with executive production duties handled by JoAnn Perritano, Michael Musgrave, and Tyler Zacharia.
Exclusive Deleted Scene Details
To mark the digital release, an exclusive deleted scene from the film highlights a comedic interaction between Nate Wilcox and a car salesman named Mike Vanderholden, played by comedian Derrick Stroup. In the sequence, Stroup’s character discovers that Nate previously appeared on Shark Tank. He subsequently attempts to leverage this connection to pitch his own invention—a reclining chair integrated with AI—hoping to secure a contact for an investor.
Critical Reception
Since its release, the film has faced a disparity between professional critical consensus and audience sentiment. As of November 2024, The Breadwinner holds a 20% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Conversely, the audience-facing "Popcornmeter" sits at 86%, indicating a significant gap between the professional reviews and the reception from viewers who have rented or purchased the film.
Key Facts About The Breadwinner
- Release Date: Available on digital platforms as of November 2024.
- Director: Eric Appel.
- Lead Cast: Nate Bargatze and Mandy Moore.
- Writer/Producer Involvement: Nate Bargatze co-wrote the screenplay and served as a producer.
- Genre: Family Comedy.
The film marks a significant transition for Bargatze, moving from his established career as a stand-up comedian into feature-length narrative acting. The project is currently available through major digital video-on-demand services.