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On the Rocks
(Apple Original Films/A24)
By Lucas Allen
For those missing the atmosphere of group gatherings in the biggest of cities, here’s a movie that is the perfect daydream to experience for 90 minutes. Oscar-winning writer/director Sofia Coppola (“Lost in Translation”) brings that dream to life for her new dramedy “On the Rocks.” It may not be as groundbreaking as her earlier title, but it still has plenty to enjoy for those who enjoy either comedy or romance, or both.
Although blessed to be married to Dean (Marlon Wayans) and raising two daughters, Laura (Rashida Jones) is starting to feel stuck in a rut looking after her kids in New York City while her husband is always away on business. It’s also affecting her aspirations to become a successful novelist. When she finds a toiletry in her husband’s bag, she begins to suspect he’s been having an affair with his co-worker Fiona (Jessica Henwick). As she explains it to her estranged father Felix (Bill Murray), the old playboy/art dealer suggests she spy on her husband to try to know what he’s been doing.
After Dean has to miss his wife’s birthday, Laura reluctantly teams up with her dad to secretly spy on her husband’s whereabouts. Meanwhile, she questions her father’s character especially with the way he’s always acted since the passing of her mother. Their little mission soon takes them to Mexico, where there’s more than one surprise in store that’ll change their outlook on their lives.
With an emphasis on life in New York City pre-pandemic, this movie feels like a peek into the world of one woman’s growing dilemma. It can be seen as a more realistic view of life and love in the city than any other movie or TV show that takes place there. The story is nothing new, but Coppola adds a healthy mix of comedy and drama to make it more interesting. Location imagery in both the city and Mexico certainly help enhance the atmosphere in each scene that’ll make you wish for a real escape from the peril we’re currently in.
If you look into the main characters’ actions with their little mission, some of the stuff they’re doing could be considered illegal in real life. Things like a high-speed chase and secretly taking photographs are mainly questionable when you think about the plot. But in the long run, you wouldn’t mind going along with these characters regardless of their actions.
The movie has a very likable cast, who each add to the realistic atmosphere full of laughs and drama. Murray is this movie’s court jester bringing his trademark deadpan, dry humor to the character that’s classic Murray. His scenes with Jones are full of heart, while the actress carries this film on her shoulders with grace and fine tuning. Not to mention, it’s nice Wayans seem to be going deeper with his acting beyond acting like a goofball he usually does.
Coppola delivers a superb experience with On the Rocks especially when it provides New York City as the perfect backdrop. With a good script, hilarious comedy, and a poignant view of life in the city; it’s like experiencing life in the past and what we’re all hoping for in the near future. Also, you can’t go wrong with Murray being himself while remaining the most entertaining part of the film.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: R (for some language/sexual references)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.5 Stars (Out of Four)
