Maisa Silva
Vicenza
Overview
While her mom is away, a teen sneaks out of the hippie commune where she lives and embarks on a life-changing adventure to discover who her father is.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
4 min readThe Father Hunt: A Brazilian Coming-of-Age Story That Stumbles on Its Own Heart
I’ll admit it: I went into Double Dad expecting a light, frothy Netflix comedy about a teenager chasing down her biological father. What I got instead was something messier, sweeter, and far more interesting—a film that wants to be both a road-trip farce and a heartfelt family drama, and mostly succeeds at neither. But in its best moments, it captures something real about the way we mythologize the people who made us, and the way those myths inevitably collapse under the weight of reality.
The premise is simple enough. Vicenza (Maisa Silva), a 14-year-old raised in a hippie commune by her free-spirited mother (Fafá de Belém), discovers that the man she’s always believed to be her father might not be. So she sets off on a journey to find the truth, dragging along her reluctant best friend (Thaynara OG) and, eventually, the two men who might hold the key to her identity: a slick, self-absorbed TV host (Marcelo Médici) and a gruff, emotionally closed-off mechanic (Eduardo Moscovis).
The original title, Pai em Dobro ("Double Dad"), hints at the film’s central question: What do you do when the story you’ve been told about yourself turns out to be a half-truth?
That question should resonate. After all, who hasn’t, at some point, wondered about the gaps in their own origin story? The film leans into this universal curiosity, but it also stumbles over its own tonal indecision.
One minute, it’s a broad comedy with slapstick chases and exaggerated performances; the next, it’s a tender drama about a girl grappling with abandonment. The shifts aren’t seamless, and the result is a film that often feels like it’s trying on different genres for size, unsure which one fits best.
Take the character of Marcelo Médici’s Gabriel, the TV host. He’s introduced as a caricature of vanity—preening in front of mirrors, obsessing over his hair, and delivering lines with the over-the-top energy of a telenovela villain. It’s a performance that feels lifted from a different, sillier movie, and it clashes with the more grounded work of Eduardo Moscovis, whose character, Tonho, is all quiet restraint and wounded pride.
Audience Opinions
Broad evidence
Audience 6.5/10
"A lighthearted Brazilian comedy with heart, but struggles to balance its quirky premise with consistent humor and depth."
Viewers appreciate the film’s warm, family-friendly tone and the charm of its young lead, Maisa Silva, who carries much of the story with her energetic performance. The premise—a teen discovering she has two potential fathers—offers a fun, if somewhat predictable, setup for comedic and emotional moments. latestnetflix.com's read is that however, the humor often falls flat, and the supporting cast’s roles feel underdeveloped, leaving the film feeling uneven despite its heartfelt intentions.
What viewers praise
- Charming lead performance Maisa Silva’s lively and engaging portrayal of the protagonist adds energy and heart to the story.
- Family-friendly tone The movie’s warm and lighthearted approach makes it an easy watch for younger audiences and families.
- Fun premise The idea of a teen uncovering two potential fathers provides a quirky and entertaining foundation for the plot.
Common complaints
- Weak humor Many jokes miss the mark, leaving the comedic moments feeling forced or underwhelming.
- Underdeveloped supporting cast The characters surrounding the lead often lack depth, making their roles feel shallow or forgettable.
- Predictable plot The story follows familiar tropes, offering few surprises for those familiar with the genre.
Recommended for
Brazilian comedy fans Family movie nights Maisa Silva admirers Lighthearted drama seekers Teen comedy enthusiasts
Full Plot (Spoilers)
Spoiler warning
This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsNetflix’s Double Dad: The Brazilian Comedy-Drama That Had Fans Talking
Double Dad (Portuguese title: Pai em Dobro), the 2021 Brazilian comedy-drama directed by Cris D’Amato, arrived on Netflix with a premise that blended heartfelt family drama with the kind of chaotic energy that makes for binge-worthy viewing. Starring Maisa Silva as Vicenza, an 18-year-old raised in an isolated hippie commune, the film follows her journey to São Paulo to uncover the truth about her biological father—only to discover she might have two of them. latestnetflix.com's read is that the movie’s mix of humor, romance, and identity crises struck a chord with audiences, though critics were more divided.
A Star-Making Role for Maisa Silva
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrhZrir_5Ek
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhbSeRxZ5B4
At the center of Double Dad is Maisa Silva, a Brazilian TV personality turned actress who brought Vicenza’s wide-eyed determination to life. Silva, already a household name in Brazil thanks to her work on children’s programming, took on her first major film role here, proving she could carry a feature with charm and comedic timing. Her chemistry with co-star Pedro Ottoni, who plays Cadu (one of Vicenza’s potential love interests), became a standout element of the film, particularly in the much-discussed kiss scene that went viral on YouTube .
The scene, shared across multiple clips, showcased Silva’s ability to balance innocence and boldness—a key part of Vicenza’s character arc. While the movie’s romantic subplot was lighthearted, fans latched onto the on-screen spark between Silva and Ottoni, turning it into one of the film’s most talked-about moments.
Behind the Scenes: A Low-Stakes but High-Energy Production
Unlike big-budget blockbusters, Double Dad kept its production relatively low-key. Directed by Cris D’Amato, known for his work in Brazilian television and film, the movie leaned into its comedic roots while still exploring themes of family and self-discovery. The cast included a mix of seasoned actors (like Eduardo Moscovis and Fafá de Belém) and rising stars (such as Thaynara OG and Rayana Diniz), creating a dynamic that balanced humor and heart.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yjq-LSl98Lg
The film’s setting—a hippie commune and the bustling streets of São Paulo—added visual contrast, though some critics noted the pacing occasionally lagged 
. Still, the movie’s lighthearted tone and relatable coming-of-age story made it an easy watch for Netflix’s global audience. The official trailer, released by Netflix, teased the film’s blend of humor and drama, promising a feel-good experience .
Mixed Reactions: Fans Loved It, Critics Were Lukewarm
Double Dad found its audience on Netflix, where its accessible storytelling and Silva’s star power helped it gain traction. However, critical reception was more muted. On SensCritique, the film earned a modest 5/10 rating, with reviewers calling it a "pleasant but forgettable" comedy . Some praised its heartwarming moments, while others felt the plot was too predictable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9IVyShJcy0
Despite the mixed reviews, the movie’s cultural impact in Brazil was undeniable. Silva’s transition from TV to film was a major talking point, and the film’s themes of identity and family resonated with younger viewers. The full movie is available on YouTube (though its legitimacy is unclear) , suggesting its popularity extended beyond Netflix’s platform.
The Verdict: A Fun, If Flawed, Coming-of-Age Story
Double Dad may not have been a critical darling, but it delivered exactly what its trailer promised: a breezy, entertaining romp with a dash of emotional depth. Silva’s performance anchored the film, and the viral kiss scene proved the movie had moments worth rewinding for. While it won’t go down as a classic, it’s a solid entry in Brazil’s growing slate of Netflix-friendly comedies—and a sign of Silva’s potential as a leading lady.
For now, Double Dad remains a fun, if slightly messy, addition to the coming-of-age genre, perfect for a lazy weekend watch.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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