Related Article: Moviefone’s 2026 Theatrical and Streaming Summer Movies Preview Guide

Initial Thoughts

(L to R) Stella Fitzgerald, Nate Bargatze, Charlotte Tucker and Birdie Borria star in TriStar Pictures’ ‘The Breadwinner’. Photo: Frank Masi. © 2025 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

‘The Breadwinner’ does not have a unique concept. We all know the comedic trope of a husband trying his best to manage the kids and the house while his wife is away. It often leads to a whole lot of chaos and then a lesson learned.

That is exactly what this movie does but due to the genius comedy of Nate Bargatze and an adorable and talented young cast. ‘The Breadwinner’ is charming, fun, and something the whole family can enjoy (and likely relate to).

Story and Direction

(L to R) Nate Bargatze and Mandy Moore star in ‘The Breadwinner.’ Photo: Frank Masi. © 2025 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Again, this is not a new story. But it is also a story that many can relate to. The kids will understand what the daughters are going through, and the parents will certainly relate to, at least aspects of, one side or the other.

‘The Breadwinner’ knows exactly what kind of movie it is. It wastes no time getting into the wild situations and the comedy. Eric Appel does a great job of making sure this stays in its wheelhouse, and never goes too far. It breezes by at a tight ninety minutes, and throws in some really heartwarming stuff at the end. Even with a predictable plot, there are a few surprises thrown in among the laugh-out-loud moments.

Cast and Performances

Nate Bargatze stars in ‘The Breadwinner’. Photo: Frank Masi. © 2025 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Nate Bargatze was the perfect choice to lead this film. As a professional comedian, he knows a thing or two about comedic timing and how to make an audience laugh until their sides hurt. Alongside him, Mandy Moore, is a brilliant casting as the grounded one in the couple.

When it comes to the kids, they all bring something to the table. Any parents watching are sure to relate their children to one (or a few) of them. They truly feel like a real family. Throw in genius comedians like Will Forte and Kumail Nanjiani to round out the cast, and you have your reason why this works so well as a family friendly comedy.

Final Thoughts

(L to R) Birdie Borria, Charlotte Tucker, Nate Bargatze and Stella Fitzgerald star in ‘The Breadwinner’. Photo: Frank Masi. © 2025 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

‘The Breadwinner’ is based on moments that Nate Bargatze himself has experienced throughout his life as a father. Because of that, the relatability and heartwarming moments really shine through.

The cast is great, and the comedy never crosses a line. Sure, there are a few things included that the adults in the room will understand more than the kids, but this movie makes sure to keep things acceptable for all audiences.

‘The Breadwinner receives a score of 72 out of 100. 

‘The Breadwinner’ opens in theaters on May 29th.

What is the plot of ‘The Breadwinner’?

The Breadwinner stars Nate Bargatze as salesman Nate Wilcox and Mandy Moore as his wife, Katie. To Nate and their three children, Katie is the ultimate mom — she manages their comically chaotic household with equal parts efficiency and love, and everything runs perfectly. But when Katie’s household invention leads to a once-in-a-lifetime deal on Shark Tank and takes her on a prolonged business trip, Nate has to figure out how to keep the house from (literally) falling apart. He and his kids soon learn that while he may not do it like mom, he can figure out how to do it his way. Welcome to the dad era.

Who is in the cast of ‘The Breadwinner’?

(L to R) Writer/producer Nate Bargatze, director Eric Appel and Mandy Moore at the Nashville Special Screening of TriStar Pictures’ ‘The Breadwinner’ in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Sony Pictures via Getty Images.

List of Movies Directed By Eric Appel

Buy Tickets: ‘The Breadwinner’ Movie Showtimes

Buy Eric Appel Movies On Amazon