TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL 2023 REVIEW! A young dominatrix encounters an unexpected client in co-directors Matt Campanella and Stephanie Chloe Hepner’s Daddy Issues. Campanella also wrote and stars in the comedic short.
Our tale opens with Oliver (Campanella) pulling himself into his new persona as a dominatrix chanting, “Shut the f**k up!” A bit nervous, Oliver approaches his next client and is shocked by that person’s identity… note the title. Years of dysfunction and disappointment converge into a single moment as all hilarity ensues.

“…Oliver approaches his next client and is shocked by his identity…”
Daddy Issues gets right to the heart of the matter within its five-minute runtime. The film is essentially a comedic sketch with a set-up, twist, and punchline. Each element is executed masterfully. Admittedly, I would have liked to see that cringe dialed up to eleven and the lead-up to the punchline be more realistic to the world of S&M, but I get that it is just a matter of taste.
When you’re out there supporting your local film festival, be sure to check out Daddy Issues.
Daddy Issues will screen at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival.