About Movie
Bad Senator is a dramedy that tells the story of Richard Van Sutton, a narcissistic retired senator nearing the end of his life. He comes to the stark realization that his pursuit of political ambition has left him with a hollow legacy. He has lost the love of his life and the respect and admiration of his only child, leaving him with nothing of true value to show for his years of service.
Plot Summary
Richard Van Sutton, a narcissistic retired senator, is confronted with the emptiness of his life as he nears its end. His self-absorbed career has cost him dearly, leaving him without meaningful relationships or a sense of accomplishment beyond his political titles. The film explores his journey as he grapples with this realization and potentially seeks to find some form of redemption.
Director's Vision
Chad W Richardson directed and wrote Bad Senator. His vision for the film aimed to tell a dramedy about a narcissistic retired senator facing his life's regrets.
Themes
Redemption:Â The central theme is the possibility of redemption for a flawed individual late in life. Senator Sutton's journey explores whether a narcissistic person can recognize their mistakes and seek amends.
Legacy and Meaning:Â The film questions what constitutes a valuable life and legacy, contrasting political achievement with personal fulfillment and meaningful relationships.
Consequences of Narcissism:Â Â The narrative explores the isolating and damaging effects of narcissism, showing how it can erode personal connections and lead to a sense of emptiness despite external success.
Key Success Factors
Character-Driven Story:Â The film focuses on the internal journey of a complex character, Senator Sutton, offering potential for nuanced performance and audience engagement.
Dramedy Blend:Â Â The combination of comedic and dramatic elements aims to provide a balanced and emotionally resonant viewing experience.
Relatable Themes:Â The exploration of aging, regret, and the search for meaning are universally relatable themes that can connect with a broad audience.
Short Summary
Bad Senator is a dramedy about a narcissistic retired senator who, in his twilight years, confronts the realization that his life lacks true value due to his self-centered past, having lost love and familial respect.
Reviews About Movie Online
IMDb User Reviews:Â IMDb hosts user reviews and ratings for films. Initial user reviews on IMDb indicate a mixed to positive reception. Some users describe the movie as having a slow start but becoming increasingly engaging, ultimately finding it a "poetic" and "uplifting" film. These reviews highlight appreciation for the performances and the satisfying conclusion of the movie. Overall, early IMDb reviews suggest that while the pace might be deliberate, the film's thematic depth and heartwarming nature resonate with viewers.
Production
Bad Senator is in post-production as of January 2023 and is produced by New Zealand Son Films and Shadow Dreamworks.
Production Companies
New Zealand Son Films [US]
Shadow Dreamworks [US]
Distribution Companies
Indie Rights [US] - Worldwide distribution for all media (2025)
Link to watch: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bad-Senator-Chad-W-Richardson/dp/B0DVM29ZG3/ (UK)
Why to Recommend this Movie
Intriguing Premise:Â The story of a narcissistic senator facing his life's regrets offers a compelling and thought-provoking narrative.
Character Study:Â Â The film promises to delve into the complexities of its main character, providing a potentially rich and engaging character study.
Dramedy Genre:Â Â The blend of comedy and drama can offer a balanced and entertaining viewing experience with emotional depth.
Why You Should Watch Movie
Explore a character-driven story about personal reckoning.
Witness a film that blends humor with serious themes of aging and legacy.
Reflect on the consequences of narcissism and the search for meaning in life.
Support independent films that offer unique perspectives on human experience.
What Movie Trend Film is Following
Character-Focused Dramedies: Bad Senator aligns with the trend of character-focused dramedies that prioritize in-depth exploration of complex characters and their emotional journeys. These films often use humor to make serious themes more accessible while maintaining emotional depth and impact.
What Big Social Trend is Following
Reflections on Legacy and Aging:Â Â The film taps into the broader social trend of reflecting on legacy, purpose in later life, and the challenges of aging. As society grapples with an aging population, stories that explore these themes with nuance and heart are increasingly relevant and resonant.
Final Verdict
Bad Senator appears to be a character-driven dramedy with the potential to offer a poignant and humorous exploration of a narcissistic senator's late-life reckoning. With its focus on character, relatable themes, and the distribution efforts of Indie Rights, it could find an audience seeking independent films with emotional depth and engaging narratives.