"Stooper": A Ride of Emotions with Horse Racing and Father-Son Dynamics

By now we're all familiar with the adage, 'All work and no play make Jack a dull boy'. But what happens when Jack's tenth birthday rolls round and Mom’s too busy to celebrate? That's exactly what Bennett Watanabe’s riveting short film, "Stooper", explores. The young lad in question is Valor Hirsch (played by Emile Hirsch's actual son). His birthday involves waiting for his dad to whisk him away for an unknown escapade, a secret stash of saved money for a cool bike, and a rather unexpected $10 present.

Before you know it, the father-son duo is at the horse track, a curveball which the young lad probably didn’t see coming. Here’s where things get interesting: our birthday boy is asked by Dad to pick a horse for the second race. Instinctive as any kid would be, it’s not about desiring, it’s about liking – and that’s how Captain Midnight, a horse with 10-1 odds, becomes the duo’s chosen stalwart.

An intriguing dynamic ensues, as father and son dive headfirst into a potentially self-destructive spiral - the world of gambling - taking us on an emotional ride. This scenario was reminiscent of Richard Linklater’s “Boyhood,” where, similarly, the father might not always be the best guide, but where the son's surprising wisdom often shines through.

The true star of the film, however, is Watanabe's skill in masterfully curating suspense. The real focus isn’t about who takes home bulking pockets, but whether the ten-year-old can envision his dad as a role model. Director Watanabe beautifully executes this without dramatic showdowns, but through a poignant moment that truly tests the boundaries of their respective roles.

Real-life father-son team, Emile Hirsch and Valor Hirsch, deliver exquisite performances, making the story a standout piece. The talented Emile Hirsch adds a nuanced depth to his role, while newcomer Valor impresses with a promising debut. This real-life bonding might be a delightful factor that adds an unseen, but palpable, layer to their performances.

The idea for this unique story sparked from Watanabe's fascination towards horse tracks. Inspired by a photo of a kid having a ball at a racetrack while his dad watched the horses, the seed for the father-and-son dynamic in the film was sown. Casting was smooth, thanks to Emile, a dream choice for Watanabe, and a fruitful meeting with Emile and Valor ensued thanks to some effective networking.

This was Valor’s first film, yet he seemed to have a blast while shooting. His dad's presence was undoubtedly a bonus. The duo spent extensive time rehearsing and developed a natural rapport on set. In fact, their pre-production research visit to the track became a fun-filled rollercoaster of horse betting, with Valor winning on the strength of humorously named horses!

Despite the cliché gambling movie ending, "Stooper" comes with a twist, maintaining the glimmer of hope in the father-son relationship. The term “stooper” itself is a nod to gamblers scavenging for forgotten winning tickets, adding a unique spin to the title of the film.

For fans who fell in love with "Stooper," stay put, the makers are planning a rollicking feature-length version, coupled with a distinct tonal shift. Now that's a race we'd all like to be part of!