No Pictures with My Father
November 20th, 2025
MOVIE: NO PICTURES WITH MY FATHER
STARRING: REGINALD M. JERNIGAN JR.
DIRECTED BY: REGINALD M. JERNIGAN JR.
AMovieGuy.com’s RATING: 2 STARS (Out of 4)
RATED: PG
RUN TIME: 77 MINUTES
When I began writing movie reviews, one practice that shaped my growth as a film critic was seeking out films that would never receive mainstream coverage. Great art often grows from low-budget beginnings, so I wasn’t hesitant to watch Reginald M. Jernigan’s documentary No Pictures with My Father, especially because its subject matter echoed parts of my own life. The result is a film with genuine heart and considerable potential- one that feels both incomplete and cathartic. It’s a well-intentioned documentary that’s difficult to critique cleanly.
The premise is straightforward: at forty, Reginald M. Jernigan reconnects with his long-absent father, Reginald Sr. The title stems from the absence of photos between them- no shared memories, no captured moments. The film attempts to fill that void while exploring how growing up without a father shapes men into adulthood. Jernigan begins with his own reunion and then branches into three additional interviews, each subject opening up about their paternal relationships. These conversations are raw, honest, and clearly aimed at helping men confront emotional wounds they may have buried.
At just 77 minutes, it’s tough to be overly harsh on a project that operates on essentially no budget. The footage looks like it was shot on an iPhone, and Jernigan handles nearly every role behind the scenes. Still, what’s missing is a central thesis- a clearer sense of what these stories are building toward. As someone who also grew up without a father, I understand and value the importance of men discussing that absence. But the structure- simply a succession of unrelated interviews- doesn’t give viewers enough context or narrative throughline. The film gestures toward something powerful without fully articulating it.
Reflecting on my own experience, I’m not sure I have any photos with my father past my late twenties, and even those have long since disappeared. Taking them felt awkward, like posing with a stranger. When someone isn’t present for the major milestones- college, struggles, marriage, children- it feels dishonest to manufacture a connection. That discomfort underscores that Jernigan is tapping into something real and meaningful.
Ultimately, my takeaway from No Pictures with My Father is that Jernigan has the drive, sincerity, and creative spark to make something resonant. I’m curious to see what he can do with more resources, collaborators, and a clearer sense of direction. My 2-star rating isn’t meant as a dismissal but rather an encouragement. Every great filmmaker starts somewhere, and No Pictures with My Father is a promising first step.
2 STARS
NO PICTURES WITH MY FATHER IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE ON TUBI, AMAZON PRIME, AND OTHER VARIOUS STREAMING SERVICES.
Written by: Leo Brady
