New Movies: Cocaine Stepdad (2024) by Dylan Grady, Cody LaRue

Cocaine Stepdad (2024): An Absurdist Road Trip to Stop a Wedding

Description: "Cocaine Stepdad" is a 2024 American action-comedy film co-directed and co-written by Dylan Grady and Cody LaRue, who also star as the titular characters. The film follows Terry Miller, a former stepdad freshly escaped from prison, as he embarks on a chaotic, cross-state journey with his estranged 12-year-old stepson, Kyle. Their mission: to prevent Terry's ex-wife (and Kyle's mother) from marrying a "homicidal preacher," all while evading the law. Shot in a mockumentary style, the film blends crude humor, slapstick, and bizarre situations, reflecting its low-budget independent roots.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22176350/

About movie: http://cocainestepdad.com/

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/cocaine-stepdad (UK), https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/cocaine-stepdad (US)

Detailed Summary: Terry Miller (Cody LaRue), a former stepdad with a questionable past, stages an escape from prison. His immediate goal isn't freedom, but to stop his ex-wife, Tracy Kulanski (Courtney Hayes), from marrying Pastor Shelby White (Chet Ivory), whom Terry believes is a dangerous "homicidal preacher." To achieve this, Terry enlists the reluctant help of his estranged stepson, 12-year-old Kyle Kulanski (played by adult actor and co-director Dylan Grady for comedic effect).

The film then unfolds as a frantic road trip across the state, filled with absurd encounters and escalating chaos. Terry, despite his dubious intentions, attempts to "do right" by his ex-wife and prove he can be a family man, even as he's on the run from the law. Kyle, initially resistant and resentful, is dragged into his former stepfather's zany antics. Their journey is punctuated by crude humor, unexpected violence, and a series of bizarre events. The narrative, presented with a mockumentary feel, leans into its low-budget aesthetic, often filming in public places and relying on improvised or unexpected situations. The climax builds to the wedding scene, promising a chaotic confrontation involving action, romance, and a lot of unexpected elements, including mayonnaise, as the duo attempts to break up the ceremony and reveal the truth about Pastor Shelby.

Plot Summary:

• Prison Break & Mission: Former stepdad Terry escapes prison to stop his ex-wife from marrying a "homicidal preacher."

• Reluctant Road Trip: He forces his estranged 12-year-old stepson, Kyle (played by an adult), to join him on a chaotic, cross-state journey.

• Escalating Absurdity: The duo faces bizarre situations and evades the law, all while navigating their dysfunctional relationship.

• Wedding Confrontation: The film culminates in a frantic attempt to break up the wedding, filled with action, crude humor, and unexpected twists.

Director's Vision: Cody LaRue and Dylan Grady's vision for "Cocaine Stepdad" was to create their first feature-length dark comedy, leaning into their established "Flint Rat Films" style of low-budget, mockumentary-esque skits and short films. They aimed for a "crude, crass, shocking, and jaw-achingly hilarious" underground comedy. The directors explicitly intended for the film to be shot in and around Flint, Michigan, using public places to create an authentic, often unscripted, feel to the chaotic events. They also aimed for the humor to arise from the absurd situations and the strong, dysfunctional chemistry between the two lead characters, played by themselves.

Themes:

• Dysfunctional Family & Reconciliation (Twisted): Explores the strained relationship between a stepdad and stepson, forced to work together, hinting at a bizarre form of reconciliation.

• Absurdist Humor & Dark Comedy: Finds humor in extreme, often morally questionable situations, pushing boundaries with its comedic approach.

• Independent Spirit & Guerrilla Filmmaking: Showcases how creativity and determination can lead to a feature film even with a very limited budget, often shooting in public places.

• Second Chances (for a Criminal): Terry's attempts to "do right" by his ex-wife, despite his criminal past, add a layer of twisted redemption.

• Escapism & Chaos: The film provides a fast-paced, unpredictable ride that revels in its chaotic narrative.

Key Success Factors:

• Bold, Unconventional Humor: The film's willingness to be crude, crass, and shocking appeals to a niche audience seeking unique and transgressive comedy.

• DIY Filmmaking Aesthetic: The mockumentary style and low-budget production give the film a raw, authentic, and distinct independent feel.

• Lead Duo's Chemistry: Cody LaRue and Dylan Grady, as co-directors and lead actors, bring a natural, comedic chemistry to their dysfunctional roles.

• Memorable Premise: The provocative title and absurd plot hook are instantly attention-grabbing.

• Local Charm (Flint, MI): The film's setting in Flint, Michigan, adds a unique, localized flavor to the production, appealing to regional audiences.

Summary Short: "Cocaine Stepdad" (2024) is an American action-comedy, co-directed by and starring Dylan Grady and Cody LaRue. It follows ex-con Terry Miller who escapes prison to stop his ex-wife's wedding to a "homicidal preacher," forcing his estranged stepson Kyle to join his chaotic road trip. Shot in a mockumentary style, the independent film promises crude humor and absurd situations. It was released on streaming platforms like Prime Video in 2024.

Awards and Nominations: As a 2024 independent film, specific major industry awards or nominations are not widely reported. However, it premiered at independent film festivals:

• Wisconsin Premiere: MidWest WeirdFest 2024.

Critics Reception: Formal critical reception from major publications is limited for "Cocaine Stepdad," as it's an independent film with a niche release. User reviews on platforms like IMDb and Prime Video generally reflect its target audience's appreciation for its unique humor and independent spirit.

• User Reviews (e.g., IMDb, Prime Video): Often describe it as "hilarious," "crude," and "absurdist," appealing to viewers who enjoy dark, low-budget comedies. Some acknowledge its rough edges but praise its originality and comedic moments.

Reviews:

• MidWest WeirdFest Description: "Crude, crass, shocking, and jaw-achingly hilarious, COCAINE STEPDAD is THE underground comedy film of the year!" This highlights its intended tone and appeal.

• User Comments: Many comments praise the "goofy violence" and "ludicrously goofy" side plots, indicating that the film leans into its absurdity. Viewers specifically mention laughter-inducing scenes and the unique comedic performances, particularly from Dylan Grady as the adult Kyle.

• Overall Summary: Reviews indicate that "Cocaine Stepdad" successfully delivers on its promise of a wild, no-holds-barred comedy for audiences who appreciate irreverent and independent filmmaking, despite its low budget.

Box Office: "Cocaine Stepdad (2024)" is an independently produced film with a reported budget of $8,000.00. It did not have a traditional theatrical release. Its distribution is primarily through digital platforms (VOD/streaming). Therefore, traditional box office figures are not applicable.

Production: "Cocaine Stepdad (2024)" is an American action-comedy feature film. It has a runtime of 99 minutes (1 hour 39 minutes), though some sources list it as 1 hour 40 minutes. It is presented in color. The film was co-directed and co-written by Dylan Grady and Cody LaRue. They also served as producers, along with Ethan Kissel. Filming took place in and around Flint, Michigan, with significant portions shot in public places in a mockumentary style. Principal photography was largely completed over three months, with post-production taking approximately a year.

Main Cast:

• Cody LaRue as Terry Miller (the Cocaine Stepdad)

• Dylan Grady as Kyle Kulanski (the estranged Stepson)

• Courtney Hayes as Tracy Kulanski (Kyle's mother)

• Chet Ivory as Pastor Shelby White (the homicidal preacher)

• Tiffani Van Dorn as Sheryl

Production Company:

• Flint Rat Films (an independent production group based in Flint, MI)

Sales Companies: Specific sales companies are not widely listed, typical for ultra-low-budget independent productions that handle direct distribution.

Distribution Companies:

• Prime Video (digital rental/purchase)

• Plex (streaming)

• Other VOD platforms

Why You Should Watch This Movie:

• For Unfiltered, Independent Comedy: If you appreciate raw, unpolished, and transgressive humor that pushes boundaries, this film delivers.

• A Unique Mockumentary Style: The low-budget, guerrilla filmmaking approach adds to its charm and helps create a sense of chaotic realism.

• Embrace the Absurd: The film revels in its bizarre premise and unpredictable plot, offering a truly "weird" and unique cinematic experience.

• Witness Passionate Indie Filmmaking: "Cocaine Stepdad" is a testament to the dedication of independent filmmakers creating their vision with limited resources, often by starring in their own projects.

• If You're a Fan of Cult or Underground Cinema: This film is likely to find its audience among those who seek out quirky, unconventional, and often outrageous comedies.

Why to Watch Movie:

• If you enjoy dark, un-PC comedies: It doesn't shy away from offensive or outrageous humor.

• To support grassroots independent cinema: It's a genuine DIY film project.

• For a laugh-out-loud, chaotic experience: The plot is designed for maximum absurdity and unexpected twists.

• If you're curious about mockumentary-style comedies: It uses the format effectively for its comedic approach.

• For something truly different: It stands out from mainstream comedies with its unique tone and premise.

What Movie Trend Film Is Following: Micro-budget Independent Comedies: The film exemplifies how filmmakers use minimal resources to create unique comedic visions, often distributed directly to digital platforms. It also aligns with a trend of "weird" or "cult" comedies that prioritize absurdity and transgressive humor.

What Big Social Trend Is Following: The film taps into a cultural interest in irreverent humor and anti-establishment narratives, as well as the democratizing nature of digital platforms that allow niche independent films to find an audience without traditional studio backing.

Final Verdict: "Cocaine Stepdad (2024)" is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking and a bold entry into the dark comedy genre. While its low budget and raw style may not appeal to everyone, it successfully delivers on its promise of an absurd, crude, and often hilarious ride. Co-directors and stars Dylan Grady and Cody LaRue have crafted a unique vision that, for its target audience, is a refreshingly unpolished and genuinely funny experience. It's a film for those who appreciate the wilder side of independent cinema and aren't afraid of a little chaos with their comedy.

Recommendations for Film Makers:

• Lean into Your Unique Voice: Don't be afraid to embrace your distinct comedic or stylistic sensibilities, even if they're unconventional or provocative.

• Maximize Limited Resources: Innovate with your budget by using authentic locations (like public places), embracing mockumentary styles, and relying on strong character chemistry.

• Self-Distribution Empowerment: Understand and utilize digital distribution platforms to directly reach your audience, circumventing traditional gatekeepers.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Recognize Niche Audiences: Acknowledge that films with specific, unconventional humor can find dedicated fanbases, even without massive marketing budgets.

• Support Grassroots Cinema: Encourage and provide pathways for micro-budget, independent productions, as they often foster new talent and push creative boundaries.

• Diversify Content on Streaming Platforms: Continue to include a wide range of independent and genre-specific films, allowing for a broader and more eclectic viewing experience for subscribers.