C’mon C’mon

Movie Trailer

Release Date
November 19, 2021

Genre
Drama

Cast & Crew

• Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny
• Woody Norman as Jesse
• Gaby Hoffmann as Viv
• Scoot McNairy as Paul

Director
Mike Mills

Other Movies Director is Known For

• 20th Century Women (2016)
• Beginners (2010)
• Thumbsucker (2005)

Producer
Chelsea Barnard, Lila Yacoub, Andrea Longacre-White

Writer
Mike Mills

Budget
$8.3 million

Production Company
A24, Be Funny When You Can

Running Time
108 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R (for language)

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Emotional themes
• Family dynamics

Movie Story
C’mon C’mon is a tender, introspective drama that follows Johnny (Joaquin Phoenix), a middle-aged radio journalist who is unexpectedly thrust into the role of caregiver for his young nephew, Jesse (Woody Norman). Johnny, who is usually focused on his work, interviewing children across the country about their hopes and fears for the future, finds himself in unfamiliar territory when his sister, Viv (Gaby Hoffmann), asks him to look after Jesse while she cares for her estranged husband, who is struggling with mental health issues.

As Johnny and Jesse embark on a cross-country journey together, the film explores the evolving relationship between the two, delving into themes of family, connection, and the challenges of understanding and raising children. Through a series of heartfelt and often humorous interactions, Johnny learns more about himself and his capacity for love and responsibility, while Jesse navigates the complexities of his own emotions and the world around him.

The film is shot in striking black and white, which enhances its intimate, contemplative tone and emphasizes the emotional depth of the story. The dialogue is naturalistic and often improvised, giving the film a raw, authentic feel that resonates deeply with viewers. C’mon C’mon is a poignant exploration of the bonds that tie us together, the ways we communicate, and the impact we have on one another’s lives.

Special Effects
C’mon C’mon is a character-driven film with minimal use of special effects. The film’s visual style is centered around its black-and-white cinematography, which adds a timeless and contemplative quality to the story. The focus is on the performances, dialogue, and the quiet, everyday moments between the characters, rather than on any visual spectacle. The lack of special effects allows the emotional weight of the story to take center stage, drawing the audience into the intimate world of Johnny and Jesse.

Box Office Performance
C’mon C’mon had a limited theatrical release, grossing around $4 million worldwide. While it wasn’t a major box office hit, the film was highly praised by critics and found a dedicated audience among fans of independent cinema. Its success was driven largely by word of mouth, critical acclaim, and Joaquin Phoenix’s performance, which was hailed as one of the best of his career.

Filming Locations

• Los Angeles, California, USA
• New York City, New York, USA
• Detroit, Michigan, USA
• New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Notable Quotes

• “It’s okay to be scared. Sometimes it means you’re about to do something really, really brave.” – Johnny
• “When you think about the future, how do you think it will be?” – Johnny
• “You can’t always know what’s going on with people, even the people you love.” – Viv

Behind-the-Scenes

• Mike Mills drew inspiration from his own experiences as a father and from his relationship with his son when writing and directing C’mon C’mon.
• The film’s naturalistic dialogue was achieved through a collaborative process with the actors, allowing for improvisation and a fluid, organic development of the characters’ interactions.
• Joaquin Phoenix developed a close bond with Woody Norman, who plays Jesse, during filming, which contributed to the authenticity and warmth of their on-screen relationship.

Awards

• Gotham Awards: Nominated for Best Feature
• Independent Spirit Awards: Nominated for Best Feature, Best Screenplay, and Best Supporting Male (Woody Norman)
• Critics’ Choice Awards: Nominated for Best Actor (Joaquin Phoenix) and Best Young Actor/Actress (Woody Norman)

Final Verdict
C’mon C’mon is a beautifully crafted film that offers a heartfelt and nuanced exploration of family dynamics, human connection, and the ways we communicate with one another. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a deeply moving performance, supported by the incredible chemistry between him and Woody Norman. The film’s black-and-white cinematography, naturalistic dialogue, and emotional depth make it a standout in the indie film landscape. It’s a must-watch for those who appreciate character-driven stories that resonate on a personal and emotional level.

IMDb Rating
7.5/10