What is the main theme of the film "If I Go Will They Miss Me"?

The film explores Black Angelino life through a strained father-son relationship, incorporating elements of art, Greek mythology, and aviation motifs.

Where does "If I Go Will They Miss Me" take place?

The film is primarily set in the Nickerson Gardens housing projects within the Watts community of Los Angeles.

When and where did "If I Go Will They Miss Me" premiere?

"If I Go Will They Miss Me" premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / "If I Go" Flies High with Lyrical Storytelling

"If I Go" Flies High with Lyrical Storytelling

30 Jan

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Summary

Film uses strained father-son relationship to depict Black Angelino life.
Twelve-year-old boy finds creative outlets in art and Greek mythology.
Father-son connection explored through shared hallucinations and aviation motifs.

"If I Go" Flies High with Lyrical Storytelling

Formally ambitious, "If I Go Will They Miss Me" uses a strained father-son dynamic to explore Black life in Los Angeles's Watts community. Writer-director Walter Thompson-Hernández captures the Nickerson Gardens housing projects as a vibrant setting for both love and conflict.

The narrative follows Lil Ant, a twelve-year-old sensitive to art and Greek mythology, as his father, Big Ant, returns from prison. Lil Ant initially views his father through mythological lenses, but Big Ant, wary of their similarities, pressures him to toughen up.

While trauma and toxic masculinity are present, they contextualize rather than dominate the story. Big Ant's fears stem from his own past, believing Lil Ant's artistic passion could lead him down a similar destructive path.