Telluride Film Festival Review: ‘Club Kid’ is an Utter Revelation by Jordan Firstman

Consider me shocked. I went into Club Kid knowing that it’s been beloved by all who’ve seen it, but I truly didn’t realize what I was about to witness. This film, the feature filmmaking debut of actor Jordan Firstman, is so assured and well realized, it sneaks up on you. The movie begins funny and ends up earning some real tears from you. This is one of the best films playing at the Telluride Film Festival and among 2026’s highlights as well.

Club Kid earns a range of emotions from its audience, showcasing an ability to feel edgy and traditional at the same time. Given the plot, you may think you know where this one is going. Trust me when I say you do not, as Firstman finds an original way to make this a crowdpleaser that still operates in the real world. I loved it.

For Peter Green (Firstman), life is a party. Literally. As a longtime club promoter in New York City, his life is a whirlwind of events, loud music, and drugs. The years have taken their toll, as he no longer gets the rush he used to from the clubs, as seen in a flashback from about ten years prior. Then, while having a particularly hung over day, one where his similarly drug addled but more professional seeming business partner Sophie (Cara Delevingne) wants to split up, he gets some news. Despite being a gay man, Peter fathered a child during his sole sexual encounter with a woman a decade ago (it was a threesome and he’s utterly shocked, barely remembering it happened). Now, a friend of the woman has shown up at his door with Arlo (Reggie Absolom). Arlo’s mother has recently taken her own life, so he has nowhere to go. Despite being unfit and uninterested, Peter is stuck with him.

Lo and behold, not only is Arlo a good and kind kid, Peter starts to realize he might actually make a good parent. Sure, he has some help from folks like neighbor Evelyn (Colleen Camp), but this is actually the wakeup call he needed. Stopping drug use, bonding with Arlo, and finding purpose, he even begins a tentatively healthy relationship with Arlo’s social worker Oscar (Diego Calva). Of course, it can’t be that simple, and eventually child services in involved, putting everything they’ve built at risk.

Jordan Firstman stuns with how good he is as Peter, showcasing the good heart alongside the messy nature of the guy. Immediately, it’s a lived-in performance that only grows deeper as the film goes on. Firstman truly gives one of the most noteworthy breakthrough performances of the year. Young Reggie Absolom is very solid and well utilized, while Colleen Camp steals her scenes in a small supporting role. In addition to Diego Calva and Cara Delevingne, both of whom are good, if not asked to do a ton, the cast includes Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Eldar Isgandarov, Paris Petitjean, Nigil Whyte, and more. This is Firstman’s show, though, and what a showcase it is.

Firstman also proves to be a top notch filmmaker, writing and directing with aplomb here. The screenplay is warm and witty, while his direction is super confident. The way he makes Club Kid feel like the best version of a 90s Miramax production speaks to what a crowdpleaser it is. The initially scenes don’t suggest that, but slowly, Firstman uses the changes Peter experiences to move the film in a different direction. Again, there’s a lot of clubbing and drug jokes, but by the end, the story of Arlo and Peter had brought me to tears.

This is a sneakily appealing movie for awards voters. Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay (for Firstman) nominations are certainly going to be a part of the conversation, while Best Supporting Actress (for Camp) would certainly be a sign of power for the flick. If Firstman lands in a Best Actor nomination? Watch out then, as this movie could be a bigger player than anticipated.

Club Kid is an utter joy and a revelation for Firstman. I loved it from start to finish, enjoying the comedic highs and worrying during the dramatic lows. Firstman has crafted a brilliant part for himself, one that he executes flawlessly. In front of the camera or behind it, the next film he’s a part of is a must see now for me. This movie is going to be a 2026 highlight for many, mark my words.

SCORE: ★★★1/2