Ethiopian Daniel Hoek firmly believes that his descent into criminal activity is a direct result of his Dutch father’s abandonment. Similarly, Joop Hoek, Daniel’s father, is convinced that his own life would have taken a different path had his Dutch-Indonesian father not left him. “The Bastard” weaves together the narratives of an adult son and his aging father, creating an intricate tapestry that explores the impact of destiny and genetics. This poignant story delves into how the absence of a father figure has profoundly shaped their lives.