First Reactions: Cineplay Critics Rate ‘My Father’s Table’

Short-form dramas have largely thrived on sensational crime thrillers and torrid romances. Instead of amplifying that sensationalism, 〈My Father’s Table〉 strips it away. Director Lee Joon-ik brings the storytelling tools from his feature film 〈Radio Star〉 into the unfamiliar world of short-form drama. In adapting Gorita’s original, he trims the cast and heightens the comedy to sharpen focus within the vertical frame. Though the format changes, the director’s trademark moments where laughter turns to tears remain intact. Jung Jin-young, Lee Jung-eun and Byun Yo-han bring vivid, finely textured performances that fill the vertical frame with energy. It may be the first short-form drama the whole family can watch with ease. It feels like the missing piece short-form drama needs right now.