“20th Century Women” director Mike Mills directs Joaquin Phoenix and Woody Norman in this tender drama that takes viewers on a road trip across the U.S. Shot in black and white, “C’mon C’mon” is an emotional drama that manages to inject comedy into a myriad of weighty themes. Mills directs and writes this thoughtful drama fuelled by powerful performances within a carefully constructed narrative.
Joaquin Pheonix stars as Johnny, a workaholic radio host spending his time conducting interviews with kids from across the U.S. When Johnny’s somewhat estranged sister (Gaby Hoffman) asks him to look after his nephew Jesse (Woody Norman), he and the eccentric nine-year-old embark on a cross-country journey. As their trip progresses, the pair’s bond grows stronger as they discover more about each other, and themselves.
A Wonderful Performance by Newcomer Woody Norman
Newcomer Woody Norman gives a marvellous performance that audiences will instantly love. The young Brits’ performance exudes emotion and talent, making for arguably one of 2021’s best. Opposite Norman stars Joaquin Pheonix in his first post “Joker” role. Pheonix once again gives a masterclass in acting and his performance brilliantly bounces off that of Woody Norman’s. Both performances radiate a sense of raw improvisation.
Joined by a gripping performance from “Transparent” star Gaby Hoffman, “C’mon C’mon” showcases stunning raw performances from its entire cast. Mike Mills makes sure to cover a plethora of complex themes in his superb screenplay, going from the impact of mental illness to personal connections, and how children see the world. Mills explores these topics through intricate storytelling mixed with genuine interviews that were conducted by Joaquin Pheonix himself. This is a film that doesn’t rush through delicate themes, instead being a steady-paced feature that bubbles with emotion.
A Film Packed Full of Lush Visuals
“The Favourite” cinematographer Robbie Ryan provides elegant cinematography that showcases the film’s sensational performances, whilst also showing off the film’s gorgeous locations that range from sunny Los Angeles to the hustle and bustle of New York City. Ryan’s cinematography manages to connect with the film’s underlying theme of society; it also comments on how we, as people, interact with those around us. Jennifer Vecchiarello’s editing elevates the film even further, creating a seamless blend between Pheonix’s interviews and “C’mon C’mon’s” delicate story.
A24 brings audiences yet another top-notch film packed full of lush visuals with a powerful story at its core. This backs up its themes of familial relationships by having several texts featured across the almost two-hour run-time, including ‘The Bipolar Bear Family: When a Parent Has Bipolar Disorder’, ‘A How-To Guide to Parent-Child Relationship Repair’ and ‘Mothers: An Essay on Love and Cruelty.’ Despite being one of 2021’s best films, “C’mon C’mon” has been sorely absent from the 2022 awards season; however, Woody Norman did receive a BAFTA nomination for his performance, making him this year’s youngest nominee. After taking viewers on an emotive journey across the U.S., Mike Mills leave audiences with an emotional ending that tugs at your heartstrings.
A Thought-Provoking and Personal Film
“C’mon C’mon” is perhaps one of the most personal films to come out of 2021. It has deep, thought-provoking ideas consistent throughout—and electric performances from the entire cast—topped off with outstanding cinematography and editing. With films like “Beginners” and “20th Century Women” already under his belt, Mike Mills is certain to continue as one of this generation’s most important directors, bringing sensitive ideas and narratives to light in such a unique way.
“C’mon C’mon” is currently available to watch on YouTube, Apple TV, Amazon [4k UHD], Microsoft Xbox, Redbox, an AMC on Demand.
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