The Dad Quest is a 2025 Mexican Spanish family drama that premiered on April 9th, 2025, and is currently streaming on Netflix. The movie was originally in Spanish and titled Lo mejor del mundo.
The film was written by Tato Alexander and Mariano Vera and directed by Salvador Espinosa. It is rated PG-13+, and not suitable for viewers younger than 13. It runs for 1 hour and 24 minutes.
The Premise of The Dad Quest
The movie tells the story of Gallo, the producer and director of a reality TV show called Lo Mejor del Mundo (which translates to The Best in the World). Gallo is always busy, and when he is not in Mexico, he is in Miami, planning the next chapter of his life. He shares a somewhat amicable relationship with his ex-wife, Alicia, but he is an absent co-parent to his son, Benito.
One day, Alicia meets Gallo at his favourite Japanese restaurant and informs him that, due to the promotion she has gotten, she needs to move to Madrid with Benito. Gallo is seemingly unphased by this development, which causes Alicia to storm out of the restaurant and run into an oncoming vehicle.
So, Benito becomes Gallo’s responsibility. Also, right before dying, Alicia insinuated that Benito might not be Gallo’s biological son. Gallo then runs a paternity test and discovers the truth: Benito was not his son. Thus, the father-son duo begin a journey to find Benito’s real dad. This is a story about trying to find one’s biological parent and then realising that the search is not as important as cherishing the people around you.
Cast and Performances
Michel Brown as Gallo:
Gallo is a TV producer whose life turns upside down when his ex-wife Alicia suddenly passes away. He then learns that he is not the biological father of their son Benito and goes on a journey that helps him find his father. He brought raw vulnerability to every scene, making the Gallo’s pain and joy feel heartbreakingly real.
Martino Leonardi as Benito:
Benito is Alicia’s son, who was indifferent when he learnt Gallo wasn’t his biological dad because Gallo was almost completely absent in his life. He convinces Gallo to help him find his real father, and the two go on a quest across Mexico.
Benito reconnects with people from Alicia’s past and learns more about his family. He disappeared into the role so completely that you forgot you were watching an actor.
Marya Hermosillo as Diana:
She was Alicia’s friend and Benito’s therapist. In their quest of trying to find Benito’s dad, Gallo and Benito asks her for help because she knew Alicia better than they did and might know who Benito’s dad is. The trio then embarks on this journey of discovery.
Fernanda Castillo as Alicia:
Alicia was Benito’s mother and Gallo’s ex-wife. Following their divorce, Gallo withdrew from her in order to heal from the pain and, at the same time, practically abandoned his son to be raised by Alicia alone. She nuanced her performance excellently.
What I Liked About The Dad Quest
Cinematography and picture quality
Beautiful or artistic camerawork with great picture quality!
Character and Performance
Their performances were powerful and emotional, especially the chemistry between Gallo and Benito. It was beautiful to watch how their experiences sharpened their relationships and brought them closer.
Positive Messages/Lessons Learnt
Fatherhood goes beyond blood relations; it is found in love freely given, in quiet presence, in fierce protection, and in walking with a child through life’s storms.
By looking inward and paying attention to those around us, we begin to see that everything we truly need is already within reach.
A father is not chosen; he is given, and his presence or absence leaves a lasting mark, and their influence or neglect is one we carry, often for a lifetime.
What Didn’t Work
Plot holes and pacing issues
The storyline was underdeveloped, leaving little room for better emotional investment. The plot felt very familiar and predictable, with little or no suspense.
The plot felt uneven, with too much time spent on irrelevant details. The first half of the film drags considerably, with scenes that feel overly long or repetitive. This slow pace made it hard to stay fully engaged at times.
Absence of Comedic Elements
This movie belongs to the comedy genre, but there was not a single humorous scene seen in this movie, which was very disappointing because I was expecting it..
Final Thoughts
The movie is a heartwarming tale of rediscovery, love, and identity. The movie explores themes of fatherhood and legacy. It is a compelling watch for those who enjoy family dramas with a mix of adventure and emotional components.
Rating
I would rate this movie 3 out of 5 stars.
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