‘Fairyland’: A Single Gay Dad and His Daughter Find Family and Resilience in 1970s San Francisco

The much-anticipated film ‘Fairyland’ opens nationwide on October 10, offering audiences a moving portrait of a single gay father and his daughter growing up in the heart of San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ community during the 1970s and 1980s. The film, based on Alysia Abbott’s acclaimed memoir "Fairyland: A Memoir of My Father", stars Emilia Jones as Alysia and Scoot McNairy as her father, Steve Abbott—a poet, activist, and openly gay man determined to create a loving home despite social conventions and adversity.

After the death of her mother in a car accident, young Alysia is uprooted from her previous life and moved to San Francisco with her father. The city—already emerging as a haven for artists, activists, and LGBTQ+ individuals—becomes the backdrop for their shared journey. Steve Abbott’s bohemian lifestyle, marked by creative pursuits and activism, often clashes with the responsibilities of parenthood. The film deftly explores how their unconventional family unit both challenges and redefines traditional ideas of home and belonging, with Alysia sometimes yearning for the structure she sees in other families.

Director Andrew Durham, in his debut feature, brings sensitivity and nuance to the story, capturing the era’s vibrancy—from lively poetry readings to the political marches that shaped LGBTQ+ rights in America. Sofia Coppola’s role as producer is evident in the film’s gentle visual tone and emotional depth, reminiscent of her signature storytelling style.

As the narrative spans into the 1980s, ‘Fairyland’ confronts the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic on the LGBTQ+ community. The film’s depiction of loss is intimately tied to Alysia’s coming-of-age: friends and community members fall ill, and the specter of AIDS profoundly shapes both father and daughter’s lives. Steve Abbott himself contracts HIV/AIDS, and his declining health is shown with empathy, highlighting the resilience and love that persists even in tragedy.

Family, in ‘Fairyland,’ is shown as something forged through shared struggle and mutual care—an idea deeply resonant within LGBTQ+ communities, where chosen family remains a source of strength and affirmation. The film offers a rare depiction of queer parenting, emphasizing the importance of visibility and representation for all types of families.

Emilia Jones delivers a layered performance as Alysia, portraying both the confusion and courage of a young woman growing up in a world that is simultaneously liberating and uncertain. Scoot McNairy’s portrayal of Steve Abbott is equally compelling, capturing the poet’s warmth, flaws, and unwavering commitment to his daughter.

The supporting cast features a diverse group of actors including Cody Fern, Maria Bakalova, Adam Lambert, Geena Davis, and newcomer Nessa Dougherty, further reflecting the film’s commitment to authentic queer storytelling.

Since its premiere at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, ‘Fairyland’ has garnered critical praise for its evocative period detail, emotional honesty, and inclusive lens. Early reviews point to its significance as a time capsule of queer history and its relevance for today’s audiences, especially as conversations around LGBTQ+ rights and representation in media continue to evolve.

Fairyland’ is more than a coming-of-age story—it is a testament to the resilience of LGBTQ+ families, the importance of queer visibility, and the enduring power of love in the face of adversity. By spotlighting a single gay dad’s journey through parenthood, activism, and loss, the film invites viewers to reflect on the progress made by the LGBTQ+ community and the challenges that remain.

As it enters theaters this October, ‘Fairyland’ stands poised to spark conversations, inspire empathy, and affirm the diversity of modern family life, making it a must-see for audiences of all backgrounds.