Films that allow you to filter them through your own personal experiences are always the ones that have the most impact and C’mon C’mon excels at this. There are so many moments during its 109 minute running time that will coincide with a personal memory or emotion that it fills your heart.
Joaquin Phoenix is Johnny, an audio documentarian who is traveling around the country interviewing young people to get their take on some of life’s biggest questions. He seems inward-facing and somewhat broken. He visits his estranged sister Viv (Gaby Hoffmann) and her son Jesse (Woody Norman).
The relationship between the two siblings is frosty and when Viv has to travel to look after her husband, Jesse’s father, Johnny is tasked with looking after Jesse. The young boy is very precocious and more than a handful. The film unfolds in a most naturalistic way and the developing relationship between Jesse and Johnny pulls both of them out of the darkness.
The storytelling feels free from contrivances and you as a member of the audience are invited to join in on a most intimate journey. Both of these human beings have suffered but the relationship that develops between the two uses their trauma as fuel for introspection and healing. This life lesson is delivered most masterfully.
Rob Hudson
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