If the ending of The Dad Quest on Netflix has left you perplexed, you’re not alone. This Mexican road trip drama, directed by Salvador Espinosa, dropped on April 9, 2025, and it’s got everyone talking. The film blends elements of comedy and drama, following a father-son duo on an emotional and adventurous journey through Mexico. It’s a straightforward, sentimental tale that doesn’t stray too far from the familiar father-child reconciliation formula but delivers a charming and quirky ride through Mexico’s landscapes.
At TV Acute, we’re diving deep into the finale to unpack what really happened between Gallo, Benito, and that big question: Who’s Benito’s biological father? Spoiler alert—it’s less about DNA and more about heart.
What’s The Dad Quest All About?
The Dad Quest follows Gallo (Michel Brown), a divorced TV producer who’s not exactly winning any “Dad of the Year” awards. He’s emotionally checked out, barely connecting with his ex-wife Alicia or their son Benito (Martino Leonardi). When Alicia unexpectedly announces that she is moving to Madrid for work and taking Benito with her, the situation takes a drastic turn. Gallo? He shrugs it off like it’s no big deal. But then tragedy strikes—Alicia dies in a car accident, and suddenly, Gallo’s the only one left to look after Benito.
Here’s where it gets juicy. Gallo finds out Benito isn’t his biological son. Rather than concealing the truth, Gallo reveals it to Benito, who enthusiastically embraces the idea of searching for his biological father. So, off they go, crisscrossing Mexico with a list of clues from Alicia’s phone. Diana (Mayra Hermosillo), Benito’s learning psychologist and a total MVP, joins them, keeping them on track. They meet all sorts of guys—a painter, a fitness trainer, even a psychologist—but none are the father. It’s a rollercoaster of dead ends, emotions, and some serious bonding. By the end, it’s not about finding a name; it’s about finding each other.
The Dad Quest Ending Explained
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff—the ending! The trio’s search leads them to Tepoztlán after Diana drops a hint. She says Alicia once told her psychologist about Benito’s paternity, pointing to a guy who might know something. They track him down, but things get messy fast—Diana flips out and attacks him! Shaken, she storms off, leaving them with a name: Enrique Vega, a prominent figure at an agency named Happiness.
Next stop? The next stop is a fancy party at Happiness. Gallo, Benito, and Diana crash it and meet Enrique (Eduardo Santamarina). He’s polished, has a wife and a baby, and seems totally unbothered. When Benito asks if he knew Alicia Ugalde, Enrique says he was sad about her death and missed her funeral—standard coworker vibes. There is no indication of shock or deep feelings, nor any indication that he is concealing a child. Benito turns to Gallo and says, “He’s not my dad.” Wait, what? What conclusions can we draw from that brief conversation? There was no private conversation or DNA test—just a gut feeling.
The shocking revelation is that Enrique could potentially be the biological father. The movie drops hints—like how his name comes up late in the game and his vague connection to Alicia—but it never confirms it. Benito’s quick “nope” feels more like a choice than a fact. Maybe he’s tired of chasing shadows, or maybe he’s disappointed by Enrique’s chill demeanor. Either way, it’s not about Enrique anymore—it’s about Gallo. After all the chaos, Benito sees Gallo as the guy who stuck around. That’s the real win here. The film leaves the biology question unresolved, yet it rewards us with a profound emotional experience.
What Stopped Gallo From Fleeing to Miami?
Early on, he’s all about dodging responsibility. When Benito comes under his responsibility, he feels hesitant, wondering, “Is this truly necessary?” The road trip starts as a chore, not a mission. But as they bounce from one lead to another, Gallo changes. He starts caring about Benito, not just the search. However, ingrained habits persist. When his TV show tanks and legal trouble looms, he freaks out and books it to the airport, ready to jet off to Miami for a fresh start.
So why doesn’t he go? It’s not a magical solution—no job offer makes everything better. It’s simpler and realer than that. At the airport, he runs into Javo, an old buddy who lays it out straight: sometimes what you need is already here, not across an ocean. This encounter completely silences Gallo. He realizes running to Miami is just him being the same old avoider. For once, he wants to face things head-on. He’s been through too much with Benito—grief, fights, pizza nights—to ditch him now.
Back in Mexico, he shows up at Benito’s grandma’s place, but Benito’s not ready to see him. Gallo doesn’t push—he waits. He picks Benito up from school, leaves a walkie-talkie as a peace offering, and plans a party. It’s small stuff, but it screams, “I’m not going anywhere.” That’s why he skips Miami. It’s not about escaping anymore; it’s about staying and stepping up, even when it’s tough.
Who’s Enrique Vega? – Dad or Just a Distraction?
Enrique Vega is the guy who keeps us guessing in The Dad Quest. Well, technically, he’s first introduced as “Ricky” before we get his full name—Enrique Vega—which adds a little extra intrigue right off the bat. Played by the talented Eduardo Santamarina, he’s this slick, sophisticated character who swoops into the story late and leaves us all shook. Enrique holds a prominent position at the Happiness Agency, where Alicia previously held a job. That’s our first hint he’s tied to her past, but how tight’s that connection? Was he her secret lover, a one-night fling, or just some random coworker? The movie masterfully presents these possibilities to us without revealing all the details—Enrique maintains his composure when Gallo, Benito, and Diana interrupt his elegant party.
Enrique exudes a serene demeanor. He’s got a wife, a baby, and this polished vibe—like life’s all figured out for him. Benito boldly asks, “Did you know my mom, Alicia Ugalde?” Enrique’s answer is so chill it’s almost boring. He says he was sad about her death and missed her funeral, but it’s all surface-level coworker talk. No gasps, no shaky hands—nothing that yells, “I’m your dad!” You’d think they barely knew each other. However, there is a twist: Diana’s psychologist friend had previously identified him, referring to him as “Ricky,” as a potential father. Is he concealing something significant, or is this a complete stalemate?
Maybe Enrique (or Ricky, if we’re being casual) and Alicia had a steamy moment years ago, and she kept Benito under wraps to shield him. Or maybe he’s totally in the dark. The film doesn’t focus on providing a definitive yes or no, instead focusing on exploring the possibilities. Benito’s quick to say, “Not him,” but it’s less about evidence and more about what he feels. Enrique might have the DNA, but he’s not stepping up. Gallo’s the one stumbling through, trying to be a dad. That’s the real story here. Enrique is this “almost” figure—mysterious and uncertain—who nudges Gallo and Benito closer together.
Will Benito Stick With Gallo?
Oh, absolutely—Benito’s staying with Gallo, and it’s the heart of The Dad Quest! This movie starts with them miles apart—emotionally, not just physically. Gallo is a self-absorbed TV producer who can’t even remember to pick Benito up. Meanwhile, Benito is a kid reeling from his mom’s death and desperate for answers. It’s rough, messy, and real. However, by the end, it’s all worth it. They’re a team, and it’s so satisfying to watch. The road trip initially begins as a quest for Benito’s “real” father, but it transforms into a significant opportunity for them to discover their mutual significance.
Think about it: Gallo’s not a natural at this dad thing. He’s forgetting stuff, stressing about work, and totally out of his league. However, as they journey through Mexico, a connection begins to form. They’re eating pizza, chatting on walkie-talkies, and digging through old photo albums—it’s the little moments that build something solid. Benito begins to perceive Gallo as more than just the individual who made a mistake. He’s the one who’s there, even when it’s awkward or hard. And Gallo? He is acquiring the ability to show concern, rather than merely following the routine. That’s growth, folks!
The big clincher comes after the Enrique flop. Benito could’ve stayed with his grandma—safe, familiar, easy. But he doesn’t. He immediately rushes towards Gallo, arms wide open, and that embrace conveys everything. It’s not about custody papers or biology; it’s about choice. Benito picks Gallo because he’s earned it, flaws and all. Despite his imperfections and ongoing development, Gallo demonstrates unwavering commitment. He shows up at school, leaves that walkie-talkie, and plans a party. It’s his way of saying, “I’m your guy.” The movie wraps with them together, and it feels right. They’ve built a family out of chaos, and that’s what sticks. Benito’s not going anywhere, and Gallo’s finally ready to be the dad he never thought he could be. Isn’t that what we all want from a story like this?
If you haven’t watched it yet, fire up Netflix and dive in. Got thoughts on the ending? Drop them below—I’d love to hear what you think!
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