Daddio
By Jeffrey M. Anderson, Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Lots of sex talk, swearing in thoughtful, touching drama.
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Daddio
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Based on 1 parent review
What's the Story?
In DADDIO, a woman (Dakota Johnson) catches a cab at JFK and heads home to her New York apartment. The driver, Clark (Sean Penn), strikes up a conversation with her, offering some of his views on life. The woman talks about her trip to Oklahoma to visit an older sister, and Clark observes her texting with a romantic partner, ultimately guessing that she must be having an affair. When the cab is stopped for a while due to a traffic accident, the characters' conversation starts to get more real than either of them bargained for, leading them to say things that they've never said before, to anyone.
Is It Any Good?
This kind of two-character drama can sometimes feel overwritten and too "stagey," but the quality and flow of the screenplay and the stars' clever, quiet performances make it work beautifully. A fine feature debut by writer/director Christy Hall (co-creator of the series I Am Not Okay with This), Daddio enthralls with its great late-night conversation. The characters are both smart and seasoned, and Penn's Clark manages to balance his own cynical philosophies with genuinely curious questions. Johnson's character is more guarded -- we never learn her name -- but she holds her own. Her job as a computer programmer and a discussion of "ones and zeros," i.e. trues and falses, get things off to an intriguing start. The talk builds naturally, moving smoothly from ideas to emotions, and as we creep toward the final act, we're riveted.
Best of all, the movie never seems to be in a hurry. It allows for long pauses between bouts of conversation, time to look out the window or reflect. Indeed, Hall creates an engrossing atmosphere, juxtaposing the noise and grit of the city with the insulated quiet of the cab. It never feels false. Daddio even finds a great ending as the characters arrive at their destination; they've shared something special, but as they part, only silence matters.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Daddio's depictions and descriptions of sex. What values are imparted? Is there trust? Consent? Why do these things matter?
How does the movie talk about communication? Are positive communication skills demonstrated? If so, how?
How does the movie view the relationships and power dynamics between men and women?
How did you feel about watching a movie with only two characters? Did you think it needed more?
Movie Details
- In theaters: June 28, 2024
- On DVD or streaming: July 30, 2024
- Cast: Dakota Johnson , Sean Penn
- Director: Christy Hall
- Inclusion Information: Female actors, Female writers
- Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
- Genre: Drama
- Run time: 100 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: language throughout, sexual material and brief graphic nudity
- Last updated: August 5, 2024
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