C'mon C'mon (2021)

While it may not be a revelation that parenting is hard, when a film can capture the concept in an honest way, especially it if also finds some beauty in that, it can be wonderfully reassuring. C'mon C'mon is a story of an uncle connecting to the human being that is his nephew, his weird, emotionally charged nephew, but it is about that struggle of parenting all the same, because parenting isn't about giving birth to someone. C'mon C'mon explores what it really means. 

Shot in black and white, and with an approach that attempts to capture the intensity of each moment and the way those moments are connected, C'mon C'mon is an exploration of the humanity of both parent and child, and the complicated, messy relationships that form between them. Writer/director Mills has made a touching film about this connection. He may not discover anything revelatory and sometimes it feels like he's just covering the basics, but generally his film is moving and challenging for anyone who has ever had a relationship with a child. 

C'mon C'mon is a beautiful film and part of a trend in 2021 of films embracing the visual medium of B&W film making, showing how truly the silver screen can evoke emotion in ways that colour cannot. 

Phoenix is restrained in his performance which is a change of pace. And Gaby Hoffman who has to act to no one talking into a phone most of the movie, does a wonderful job of bringing all the emotions forward. But it is young actor Woody Norman who shines by making his Jesse a fully rounded little human in ways that make the film work as well as it does. 

C'mon C'mon is a sweet film and a pleasure without sugar coating its story. '

C'mon C'mon

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Gabby Hoffman Woody Norman, Scoot McNairy, Jaboukie Young-White, Molly Webster

Writer/Director: Mike Mills