Daddio 2024

What starts as a typical "get me to my apartment" conversation takes a sharp turn. Maybe it's the late-night atmosphere, maybe it's the city lights blurring by, but Girlie and Clark find themselves spilling their guts. They delve into past relationships, career woes, and the baggage they both carry. Girlie wrestles with a choice that haunts her, while Clark reveals a hidden vulnerability beneath his gruff exterior.

As the miles tick by, their conversation becomes a therapy session on wheels. They challenge each other's perspectives, offering raw honesty and unexpected advice. By the time they reach Girlie's destination, they've formed a surprising bond. Neither expected to find connection in the back of a taxi, but sometimes, the most profound conversations happen in the most unexpected places.

#DakotaJohnson #SeanPenn #ChristyHall #daddio

The story begins with a young woman, simply known as "Girlie" (Johnson), landing at JFK Airport and hailing a cab back to her Manhattan apartment. Her driver, Clark (Penn), is a seasoned New Yorker with a lifetime of experiences under his belt. What starts as a routine fare quickly evolves into an unexpected exchange of vulnerabilities.

Daddio originated as a stage play, but Hall saw its potential unfold within the intimate setting of a taxi. In 2017, Daisy Ridley was attached to the lead role, but in 2021, Johnson took over. Interestingly, Johnson was the driving force behind Penn's involvement, personally sending him the script. This casting decision proved to be a masterstroke, as the chemistry between the two actors is undeniably captivating.

Filming was done in 16 days primarily on the streets of Jersey City and Manhattan and culminated in December 2022. To create a realistic experience for the actors, the production team employed innovative virtual technology. Large LED screens within a soundstage displayed dynamic digital backdrops of the city, allowing Johnson and Penn to react and interact as if they were truly traversing the nighttime streets.

Daddio premiered at prestigious film festivals like Telluride and Toronto in September 2023. Shortly after, Sony Pictures Classics acquired the film's distribution rights, paving the way for a theatrical release in 2024. It finally hit the big screen on June 28th, 2024. Critical reception for Daddio has been mixed, with some praising its raw intimacy and others finding it repetitive.

However, there's a near-universal agreement on the strength of the lead performances. Reviews highlight Penn's masterful portrayal of a weathered New Yorker with a knack for drawing out confessions, while Johnson shines as a guarded woman slowly revealing her emotional turmoil. Through a series of unexpected conversations sparked by late-night city lights, the film delves into themes of love, loss, regret, and the power of vulnerability.

#DakotaJohnson #SeanPenn #ChristyHall #daddio