---
title: "Killing Dad"
year: 1989
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/killing-dad-1989"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 292581
imdb_id: null
status: "Unknown"
community_rating: 4.3
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# Killing Dad (1989) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/killing-dad-1989

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Killing Dad is a 1989 British black comedy film directed as an adaptation of the 1964 novel Berg by experimental author Ann Quin. The narrative centers on Alistair Berg, a man deeply devoted to his mother who journeys to a seaside town with the specific intent of murdering the father who abandoned them years prior. Upon arrival, he encounters a complex social dynamic involving a seducing older woman and her aging partner.

The film is notable for its literary roots and its exploration of dark, unconventional family dynamics. It maintains a distinctively British comedic tone, balancing the protagonist's grim objective with the eccentricities of the people he meets in his father's dilapidated environment. With a runtime of one hour and thirty-three minutes, it provides a contained, character-driven experience characteristic of the era's independent British cinema.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A devoted son travels to a seaside town to track down the father he never met."

### Why Watch
- It is based on the 1964 novel Berg by experimental writer Ann Quin.
- The film features a lead performance by Richard E. Grant.
- It offers a specific brand of British dark comedy from the late eighties.

### Caveats & Content Note
- The film's experimental source material and dark comedic tone may not appeal to all viewers.
- Tone & Suitability: This is a dark comedy with a deliberate pace that explores themes of abandonment and family conflict.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #british-black-comedy, #literary-adaptation, #seaside-setting, #family-drama, #1989-cinema, #dark-humor

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/killing-dad-1989#watch.

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream Killing Dad?
Streaming availability for this film varies by region and platform; please check local listings on major digital services.

### Q: Is Killing Dad worth watching?
The film is worth watching for fans of Richard E. Grant and those interested in adaptations of experimental British literature.

### Q: How long is the film?
The film has a total runtime of one hour and thirty-three minutes.

### Q: Is this part of a series?
No, Killing Dad is a standalone feature film adapted from a novel.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Killing Dad — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/292581)
- [Killing Dad - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_Dad)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*