C’Mon C’Mon – A Comforting Fairy Tale

When it comes to film, there are always ones regardless of genre that are considered comfort films as in those that elicit feelings of comfort and warmth while watching. Everybody has at least one, maybe more. Suffice it to say that after watching it, C’Mon C’Mon will become such a film for countless audiences. A simple yet beautiful and profound story, it still won’t be for everyone. Boasting gorgeous black and white cinematography that captures the most intimate moments, good or bad, in their rawest form, and a whimsical score, this ode to parenting almost feels like a fairy tale in many ways but evolves into something much more. Featuring a spectacular script that is both hilarious and an emotional roller coaster along with a pair of stellar performances to truly do it justice, it is an experience that will surely leave an impact long after the credits roll. Meanwhile, Joaquin Phoenix and a relative newcomer in the form of Woody Norman make for one of the best dynamics of the year so far.

C’Mon C’Mon tells the story of a radio journalist named Johnny (Phoenix) and his young nephew Jesse (Norman) and the bond they formed as the two were unexpectedly thrust together. As Johnny’s sister Viv (Hoffman) needed a caretaker for her son while she tended to her husband Paul (Scoot McNairy) who was suffering from mental health issues, she didn’t necessarily trust her childless, bachelor brother for whom she already was not on the best of terms with but times were desperate. Little did they realize, they needed one another as Johnny was looking for more out of his life while Jesse was merely looking for the kind of father figure he never had. That being said, they still experienced an adjustment period as they weren’t ready for one another. Nevertheless, this still brought along a fair share of compelling moments that were often hilarious and touching as they tried to make their new situation work. Though there were certainly some hiccups along the way as Johnny brought Jesse along with him for his work. Beyond those wholesome moments was that underlying connection between Johnny and Jesse as its resulting arc was by far the best part of the film.

Interviewing kids across the United States about the future as part of a project he and his team were working on, the contrast between that and Johnny’s relationship with Jesse couldn’t be more clear. Essentially being a parent was something he wasn’t necessarily comfortable with but it was clear that there was still something lacking in his life while this was also perhaps a means to reconnect with Viv as flashbacks rounded out the relationships between all the characters. Through the good and bad times, it wasn’t easy but there was certainly love there. In the end, C’Mon C’Mon was all about Johnny and Jesse’s growth as people as they move towards the future. We as people are shaped by our experiences as time was a major theme of the film where the past and present help to shape one’s future. As the weird and eccentric Jesse continuously poked and prodded Johnny with questions, things were never dull as the former’s innocent perspective brought upon so much joy though some audiences may find him on the annoying side. This was a coming-of-age story for both of them, especially Jesse who was given what amounted to a lesson about life, and for that, the film worked.

Ultimately, the best part of C’Mon C’Mon was its performances and that begins and ends with the stellar performances from Phoenix and Norman as Johnny and Jesse. That uncle-nephew dynamic was the heart of the film as their great chemistry made them a pure delight to watch. The black and white cinematography allowed viewers to tune out everything else and truly hone in on that relationship. Though the sharp script definitely helped but those performance helped bring these deep characters to life. Though they were flawed and had quirks and insecurities like the rest of us, that just made them more relatable. Phoenix’s warmth and humanity as Johnny made it easy to gravitate towards him. While he wasn’t perfect by any means, he loved Jesse. He could have been deeper, however, his subtly emotional performance brought several levels of depth to the surface. Norman, on the other hand, was a revelation as his energy was just perfect here which nicely completed the dynamic, stealing scenes, holding his own alongside Phoenix, and avoiding the annoying child actor trope.

At the end of the day, c’mon and see C’Mon C’Mon. 

still courtesy of VVS Films

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.