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About My Father

About My Father is a 2023 American comedy film directed by Laura Terruso and written by Sebastian Maniscalco and Austen Earl.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

About My Father is a 2023 American comedy film directed by Laura Terruso and written by Sebastian Maniscalco and Austen Earl. The film stars Maniscalco and Robert De Niro and is loosely based on Maniscalco’s life and his relationship with his father. It was released by Lionsgate on May 26, 2023, and received generally negative reviews.

Premise

The film follows Sebastian Maniscalco’s character as he brings his father, Salvo, to meet his fiancée’s wealthy family during a holiday gathering. The plot focuses on family tensions, class differences, and cultural conflict.

Cast

Sebastian Maniscalco stars as a fictionalized version of himself, with Robert De Niro as Salvo. Supporting roles include Leslie Bibb, Kim Cattrall, Anders Holm, and David Rasche.

Production and release

About My Father was directed by Laura Terruso from a screenplay by Maniscalco and Austen Earl. Lionsgate released the film in U.S. theatres on May 26, 2023.

Reception

The film earned generally negative reviews from critics. Despite that reception, it reached a worldwide box office total of $18.2 million.

Key facts

  • The film is a comedy released in 2023.
  • It is loosely based on Sebastian Maniscalco’s life and relationship with his father.
  • Robert De Niro plays Salvo, Maniscalco’s father in the film.
  • The story centres on a culture clash between an Italian American family and a wealthy upper-class family.
  • The film grossed $18.2 million worldwide.
  • Reviews from critics were generally negative.
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Canadian context

The film was an American theatrical comedy with broad North American distribution and is relevant to Canadian audiences through its commercial release and availability on major streaming and rental platforms.

Frequently asked questions

What is About My Father about?
It is a comedy about a man who brings his traditional Italian immigrant father to meet his wealthy fiancée’s family, leading to a culture clash.
Who directed About My Father?
Laura Terruso directed the film.
Who stars in About My Father?
Sebastian Maniscalco and Robert De Niro star, with Leslie Bibb, Anders Holm, David Rasche, and Kim Cattrall in supporting roles.
Is About My Father based on a true story?
It is loosely based on Sebastian Maniscalco’s life and his relationship with his father.
When was About My Father released?
It was released on May 26, 2023.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/About_My_Father
    Supports: Director, writers, cast, release date, box office, and general reception.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8373206/
    Supports: Production details, budget, box office, and basis on Sebastian Maniscalco’s life.
  3. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/about-my-father-movie-review-2023
    Supports: Premise, character details, and critical reception.
  4. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/about-my-father
    Supports: Synopsis, MPAA rating, runtime, and release information.
  5. YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txLSE7tpgr0
    Supports: Official trailer information including release date, cast, director, and plot setup.