The Wasteland Reviewer

Daddio (2024) Written Review

What is so compelling about a simple film, set in one place, with a minimal cast? Films like Locke have shown that you can make a film like this work so well. The film is basically Tom Hardy driving a car and talking on the phone. But when you can make those conversations compelling and you have a great actor there to anchor, you have something special. Writer/director Christy Hall took this approach of simplicity and placed two completely different individuals in a cab and created something special.

What makes Daddio work with such constraint and simplicity? Cinematographer Phedon Papamichael does WORK. The way the camera works within the confines of this taxi makes this film work so well. But first off, the shots from outside capture the city of New York City so well which is so important to set the stage. But the shots in the cab are so impressive. An angle that shows the driver (Sean Penn) with only his eyes in the light and the passenger (Dakota Johnson) slightly out of focus in the background just evokes so much feeling and intrigue about what is going on. Then you have the incredible intimacy that the camera has with these two actors. There is a sequence that captures this so well with Johnson’s character taking control of a texting conversation with her lover and the way the camera captures every little detail is so compelling. An intensity in her eyes. The biting of her lip. The loosening of her jaw and throat as she lets out a heavy breath. You know exactly what this woman is thinking about. Papamichael and Hall are capturing so much. 

But you need fantastic performances to highlight that intimacy, right? There is so much in both performances that resonates and speaks to the audience. Johnson has a reputation as an attractive actor who has plenty of legacy behind her career. But lately (outside of the much-maligned Madame Webb) Johnson has been showing some serious acting chops. This just might be the peak performance of her career so far. She brings confidence to this character who can spar with a stranger through flirtation. Johnson is sexy and alluring. But when she peels the layers back on this flirtatious and personable woman, you see someone who is radiating like an exposed nerve. There is so much pain and insecurity underneath him and the level of emotion that Johnson can express is something quite fascinating. 

But it takes two to tango, right? Penn is a ferocious presence in this film. He creates a character who is antagonistic for the sake of fun and personable for the need of it. His charisma is off the charts. He channels a character that screams “NEW YORKER”. The brashness is so authentic. Penn is an anchor who digs deep into his characters. There is a bit of “cat and mouse” going on as Penn’s Clark digs into Johnson’s wall of security. But it is not just a tough, masculine guy stereotype. There is a lot of regret and emotion in Penn’s performance and as the film goes on, there is a beautiful vulnerability to what he brings to the table. The tit-for-tat of Johnson and Penn is impressively compelling. This film is just mesmerizing. 

The material needs to be there for them to engage with, right? Clark is a man who is so open and ready to pry that so many deeply impact topics can be brought to the surface. His general approach creates a compelling conflict between generations and sexes. The verbiage and perspectives on men and women that Clark utilizes are antiquated and the way that Johnson’s passenger will push, and spar back are compelling. The film tackles plenty of heavy issues throughout which keeps the audience engaged. The passenger’s trauma and daddy’s issues that manifest into her current, heavily sexual relationship is one of the main lynch pins of the whole film. This is the top that latches on and springboards into other and more complicated issues that feel so timely.

Is Daddio destined to be remembered for its compelling twist on a simple and confined set up? This film will (hopefully) receive the same kind of recognition as Locke did and then some. These are two awards worthy turns from two actors who make such a compelling and unexpected pairing on screen. This film is so deeply human thanks to its rich explorations of deeply moving and poignant themes. This is a mesmerizing drama that draws you in from the first interaction and might have you in tears but the final one.