Lionsgate has released an official trailer for the crime thriller "Like Father Like Son," produced by Barry's Bootcamp creator Barry Jay [1].
The project marks a significant pivot for Jay, moving from the fitness industry into cinematic storytelling. By exploring the cycle of generational violence, the film attempts to tackle complex familial trauma through the lens of a crime drama.
Starring Dermot Mulroney and Dylan Flashner, the plot centers on a troubled young man named Eli [1]. The narrative tension is driven by the relationship between the son and his father, who is currently on death row [2].
Industry reactions to the project have been mixed. Some critics have suggested the film's premise is promising, noting that "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree" in the context of the thriller [2]. However, other reviews have been more critical of the execution. A review from Under the Radar said the film delivers an exhausting amount of exposition and wooden performances [3].
The trailer first debuted in 2024 [1]. The film was scheduled for a day-and-date release early in 2025 [2].
Because the film is a day-and-date release, it is intended to hit both theaters and digital platforms simultaneously. This distribution strategy reflects a broader trend in the industry to reach audiences across multiple viewing preferences at once.
“The film explores generational violence, following a troubled young man whose father is on death row.”
The transition of a high-profile fitness entrepreneur like Barry Jay into film production highlights the increasing trend of 'celebrity-adjacent' creators leveraging their personal brands to enter the entertainment industry. While the film's themes of systemic violence and familial trauma are heavy, the mixed critical reception suggests a gap between the ambitious conceptual goals and the final cinematic execution.
