Jordan Firstman’s Club Kid: From Nightlife Excess to an Unexpected Family

Jordan Firstman’s first feature begins in a world of late nights, crowded clubs and a life lived without much restraint. Peter, a New York party promoter, builds fashionable nights with his girlfriend Sophie, played by Cara Delevingne, drawing in an offbeat crowd. Though the business is thriving, Peter is nearing forty while behaving as if he were still 20: he attends the parties he organizes, uses a lot of substances, loses track of time and increasingly struggles to control himself. One night, while completely wasted, he has sex with a woman in a club’s back room.

The consequences arrive later in the form of Arlo. A woman brings the boy to Peter’s home and explains that he is the child of that brief encounter. Arlo’s mother has just died, and the child has no one else. She leaves him with Peter, who now has to care for a son he never knew existed.

An unlikely bond changes Peter’s life

Peter is immature and irresponsible, but not cruel. Unable to abandon Arlo, he brings him into his home and does what he can with the little he has. He expects no particular ease in the arrangement, yet the two connect: Arlo is lively, intelligent and endearing, and their days together gradually develop into a deep attachment.

As the bond grows, Peter becomes more responsible and changes his habits. He learns how to be a father, while Arlo teaches him to see life differently and gives it a sense of purpose. Their unexpectedly close, happy routine does not remain secure; difficult circumstances suddenly put their life together at risk.

A tonal shift with emotional weight

Club Kid changes register as Peter’s circumstances change. Its opening stretch is wild and disorderly; the story that follows is more reflective and sensitive, as an awkward new father and his son discover a love and closeness neither had known. The contrast gives the film its emotional force, moving from debauchery toward the everyday work of becoming a parent.

A confident first feature

The review finds the film accomplished across its performances, music, cinematography, writing and carefully shaped direction. Firstman is praised both in front of and behind the camera: Club Kid is entertaining and fun while also reaching for universal, moving emotion. Its portrait of parenthood is especially affecting because Peter once thought he did not want children, did not love them and was not suited to raising one. The result is described as a tour de force.

The film marks a notable moment for Firstman, already known as an actor in Rotting in the Sun and the series I Love LA, as well as for offbeat comedy videos that grew popular on social media. He is also a singer and a screenwriter whose credits include the short films The Disgustings and Men Don’t Whisper. Club Kid drew critical praise at Cannes 2026, where distributors competed in a bidding war to acquire it.

Produced in 2026 and presented at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. Released in theaters on November 4, 2026.

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