Life is always going to be about figuring yourself out. But the first step towards that direction starts when you are in your 20s. It’s an overwhelming period where pressure mounts to find a good job and settle down. Sometimes you need more time to meet people, let yourself feel, and even fall in love and be heartbroken. Cooper Raiff in his sophomore feature Cha Cha Real Smooth tells the story of Andrew (Cooper Raiff), fresh out of college, who befriends a local mom, Domino (Dakota Johnson), and her daughter, Lola (Vanessa Burghardt). Through them, he finally discovers a future he wants—even if it might not be his own.
The movie opens with a 13-year-old Andrew at a Bar mitzvah party falling in love with the party starter woman. He immediately tells his mom (Leslie Mann) about it only to be heartbroken. 10 years later, Andrew has graduated from college but doesn’t know what he wants to do. He moves back with his mom and step-father Greg (Brad Garrett). One night he visits a bar mitzvah party with his brother David (Evan Assante) and there he meets Domino and her autistic daughter Lola. They immediately share a deep connection. As the story progresses, Domino helps him in the journey to figure out what he wants to do with his life.
Raiff's unique voice makes you connect with his stories instantly. He captures the little moments in his characters that make a big impact. His use of deeply intimate, profound, one-on-one conversations reveals so much about what each character is struggling with. The film does not just focus on his relationship with Domino; Andrew’s relationship with his mom is a tear-jerker. You see how they both are protective of each other. The most important scene comes towards the end of the movie where Andrew expresses his appreciation for his mom, which will surely make you reach for the tissues. Even Domino and Lola’s bond is special which makes way for Andrew, who becomes the only other person Lola trusts besides her mother.
Raiff shines as Andrew. He’s not afraid to bare his soul and present the nervousness of his character. There is an authenticity to Raiff that makes it easy to empathize with him. Supporting Raiff in her most touching performance is Johnson. There is so much she says with just her expressions that leaves a mark on you. The way she approaches Domino is quite riveting and full of love. Her bond with Burghardt, who makes her debut as her daughter Lola, is so beautiful to witness. And a special shout out to Mann whose heartfelt performance makes you want to hug her.
There are very few movies that make you smile throughout their runtime. Raiff manages to create a heartwarming story brimming with kindness and selfless characters trying hard to help each other grow. Cha Cha Real Smooth is Raiff’s ode to mothers as well as to everyone who doesn't have everything figured out. Life is strange but sometimes you meet a few people who help change you and break your heart, but it was worth it.
Sundance Film Festival Review