C'mon C'mon

C'mon C'mon is a drama film directed by Mike Mills and released in 2021. The movie follows the story of a radio journalist named Johnny (Joaquin Phoenix), who embarks on a journey of self-discovery while taking care of his young nephew, Jesse (Woody Norman).

The film begins with Johnny receiving a call from his sister, Viv (Gaby Hoffmann), who is struggling with mental health issues and needs some time to herself. She asks Johnny to take care of Jesse and spend some time with him while she is away. Johnny agrees to help and decides to take Jesse along with him on a road trip across the United States in order to collect interviews for a new radio documentary.

Throughout the course of their journey, Johnny and Jesse visit various cities and meet people from different backgrounds, such as a farmer in New Orleans, a single mother in Detroit, and a tech entrepreneur in Los Angeles. Each of these encounters teaches the duo something new about themselves and the world around them.

As they travel and interview people, Johnny begins to reflect on his own life and relationships. He starts to question his own choices and the kind of person he wants to be. Meanwhile, his relationship with Jesse grows stronger as they bond over their shared experiences and learn to trust each other.

Joaquin Phoenix gives an exceptional performance as Johnny, conveying the character's inner turmoil and emotional journey with subtlety and nuance. Woody Norman, who plays Jesse, delivers an equally impressive performance as a young boy struggling to understand the world around him.

The film's director, Mike Mills, has a unique talent for capturing the intimate moments of human connection and emotion. His use of black and white cinematography during Johnny's interviews with various individuals gives each scene a sense of intimacy and vulnerability.

The film also explores themes surrounding mental health and the importance of family and relationships. Gaby Hoffmann's portrayal of Viv, who battles mental health issues, is both poignant and honest, shedding light on the challenges individuals face when dealing with such challenges. The relationship between Johnny and Jesse, and their interactions with the people they meet on their journey, also emphasizes the importance of human connection and how it can transform lives.

Overall, C'mon C'mon is a heartwarming and thought-provoking film that delves deep into the human experience. With a strong cast and a well-crafted script, it offers an authentic and poignant portrayal of the complexities of life, relationships, and self-discovery.