A Kid Like Jake is an affectionate, poignant story of parents Claire Danes and Jim Parsons coming to terms with the fact their young son is gender fluid.
In its dialogue-heavy narrative, director Silas Howard’s film betrays its stage play origin – further emphasised by essentially a cast of five plus Jake. Adapted from his own play, Daniel Pearle chooses to focus on the parents and guidance from the Principal at Jake’s school (Olivia Spencer) about difference and diversity rather than the broader social politics of transgender. Parsons accepts, Danes struggles, puttting a strain on the couple’s relationship.
The result is sympathetic and humane but a little too light and feel-good fluffy considering the gravity of its subject: a palatable telling to a large audience. But it remains important and relevant nevertheless.
Rating : 62%
Director: Silas Howard (More Than T)
Writer: Daniel Pearle – adapted from his own play
Main cast: Claire Danes (Stardust, TV’s Homeland), Jim Parsons (Hidden Figures, TV’s The Big Bang Theory), Olivia Spencer (The Help, Hidden Figures)
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