Eric André's new Netflix film Little Brother is a disappointingly conventional comedy that fails to capitalize on the star's signature surreal and chaotic brand of humor. Directed by Matt Spicer, who previously helmed the acclaimed dark comedy Ingrid Goes West, the film follows an uptight realtor (John Cena) whose life is upended by the reappearance of his unpredictable "little brother" (André) from a childhood mentoring program.
A formulaic plot with predictable beats
Written by Jarrad Paul and Andrew Mogel (Yes Man), the script leans heavily on tired tropes: a character gives an apology speech before an audience, followed by two "there's something I need to say to you" reconciliation scenes. The film neither satirizes these clichés nor imbues them with genuine humor or heart. It feels like a rewrite away from a full parody of studio comedies like What About Bob? or The Cable Guy, but lacks the sharpness or weirdness to elevate the material.
André's performance is committed but restrained, his antics—while bawdy and involving bodily fluids—missing the nightmarish edge that makes his work on The Eric André Show so distinctive. Cena is a competent straight man, but other talented comedians like Caleb Hearon and Ego Nwodim are underserved by subpar one-liners.
Missed potential and comparisons
The film's premise echoes 2008's Role Models, which balanced humor and heart while exploring the big/little brother dynamic. Little Brother fails to find similar depth, offering only fleeting laughs—such as a Paris Hilton cameo where she feigns devotion to the homeless, or a post-rimming request for a minty drink. According to the review, these moments are "lightly amusing" but insufficient to sustain the film.
André's previous Netflix effort, Bad Trip (2020), was a hidden-camera hybrid that, while hit-and-miss, felt more natural for his talents. Little Brother, by contrast, is his most conventional film, and the result is largely unfunny. Director Matt Spicer's follow-up to Ingrid Goes West is a stark disappointment, given that film's rich exploration of obsessive relationships and digital culture.
A disappointing outing for all involved
The film struggles to work as satire, sincerity, or pure silliness. André's energy is somewhat restrained, and the script remains stuck in third gear. As the review concludes, Little Brother is "the bastard child that might need cutting off." It is now streaming on Netflix.
