Pop-Culturalist.com

Award-winning writer-director Barry Jay joins forces with one of the industry’s most exciting young talents, Dylan Flashner, to deliver a gripping emotional thriller that examines the lengths one man will go to in order to break a brutal cycle of violence. Like Father, Like Son follows Eli (Flashner), a young man whose father awaits execution on death row for first-degree murder. As Eli’s life begins to spiral, he recognizes the same terrifying impulses within himself—leading him to take extreme measures to ensure his family’s legacy of savagery ends with him. Flashner delivers one of his most riveting performances to date, fully immersing himself in the character and capturing Eli’s internal struggle with raw intensity and depth.

With a story that swings like a pendulum between quiet vulnerability and unrelenting tension, Like Father, Like Son keeps audiences on edge, never settling in one emotional space for too long. Pop Culturalist spoke with Barry and Dylan about the genesis behind Like Father, Like Son, navigating the film’s shifting emotional landscape, and the process of bringing this gripping story to life.

PC: Barry, as a storyteller, you’ve drawn from your experiences and scars to create art in both film and music. What was the genesis behind Like Father, Like Son?
Barry: I wanted to explore the potential connection between hereditary genes and the nature versus nurture debate. During my research, I discovered a father living on Skid Row who had an infant at home—one who later grew up to be a killer. I was fascinated by this. So, I reached out to Dr. Mayim Bialik, who is a neuroscientist, and asked her about the possibilities. She said, “Yeah, it does exist,” and explained it in medical terms that I can’t repeat now. [laughs] Because it truly does exist, I wanted to delve deeper and explore abuse versus nurture.

PC: Dylan, I imagine that as an actor, you dream of scripts like this—ones that push you creatively and force you to step into potentially uncomfortable places. What was it about Barry’s script that excited you the most? And what did you learn about your own craft while leading this film? Because you did that so brilliantly.
Dylan: I really appreciate that. As an actor, it’s always a dream to be asked to do something so different from who you are. What drew me to this character was how many layers he had. When I first read the script, I was like, “Barry, I have to do this. How do I get in line to play this character?” Barry was all in and wanted me to do it. That gave me so much confidence in bringing this character to life. I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to play someone so different from who I am as a person.

PC: Your performance is transformative. You’re terrifying in the moments you need to be and vulnerable when the story calls for it. Barry, segueing off of what Dylan just said, as the writer-director, how did you create the space for your cast to take ownership of their characters and bring their own interpretations to the screen, especially when diving into such dark places?
Barry: It was the camaraderie we built on set. There was mutual respect and kindness, which made for a comfortable and supportive environment where everyone felt free to experiment. That kind of atmosphere allows actors to truly get into whatever zone they need to.

It takes a great actor to play a character who’s very Ted Bundy-like. Eli, when he’s with Hailey (played by Ariel Winter), is completely different from Eli when he’s alone, grappling with right and wrong. That pendulum swing was fascinating to me.

PC: Dylan, this film doesn’t work unless the father-son dynamic at its core feels authentic. While there’s so much hurt and pain in that relationship, there’s also an underlying love. What was it like collaborating with Dermot Mulroney to build that connection?
Dylan: The first project I ever did, Dermot played my father, so it was really interesting to come back five years later and act alongside him again in a similar—but very different—scenario. He’s such a giving actor. He always treats you as an equal, and his humility is through the roof. Huge shoutout to him. It was a pleasure working with him again.

PC: Barry, you also incorporated these quieter moments where we see Dylan’s character trying to seek help. Can you talk about finding that tonal balance?
Barry: That was something I was very mindful of during the writing process. I wanted to make sure the pendulum swung both ways—hard in one direction, then softer and more tender, especially when Eli is with Hailey and we see his humanity. That contrast makes the more violent moments even more shocking. He kills like that, then goes home and sleeps next to Hailey. I wanted to show that there was humanity inside him, but also this uncontrollable urge driving him.

PC: Dylan, a mark of a great performance is when audiences find themselves debating how they feel about a character afterward. So much of your job as an actor is bringing them to life without judgment. How did you create the space for yourself to go to the depths required for this role?
Dylan: I was actually just talking to some friends about this recently. I went into isolation for two or three weeks beforehand—I didn’t talk to a single one of my friends. I was so enthralled with the character and wanted to make sure I did right by him. There was a lot of sacrifice and commitment that I don’t think people necessarily consider when watching, but hopefully, they can feel it through the performance. It was tough at times.

Make sure to follow Barry (Instagram) and Dylan (Instagram). Like Father, Like Son is available On Demand and Digitally today.

Photo Credit: Peter Konerko