Movie Breakdown: On The Rocks
Pre-Screening Stance:
I’m honestly surprised that it took Sofia Coppola and Bill Murray this long to do another full length feature together. Although, I can’t say I blame them for avoiding the very large task of trying to recreate the magic they had on Lost In Translation (way back in 2003!). Either way, I’ve been looking forward to On The Rocks.
Post-Screening Ramble:
Sofia Coppola’s On The Rocks makes for a pretty nice companion piece to her 2010 film, Somewhere, as they both cover wanderlust, preoccupied parents and the effect that their behavior has on their children. Where Elle Fanning was a teen in Somewhere though, this movie stars Rashida Jones as a woman with two kids and a husband. On the outside, Laura’s life seems pretty great, but the reality is that she’s having trouble writing the book she just landed a deal for, and she thinks that her man, Dean (Marlon Wayans), might be having an affair with a co-worker. Enter Bill Murray as her father, Felix. He’s intrepid, eccentric, and willing to use his seemingly endless resources to help Laura catch Dean in the act. Hi-jinks and deep convos ensue.
As much as On The Rocks follows Laura and Felix around as they try to figure out what Dean is up to, the film doesn’t really focus on that. Instead it drills down on the relationship between the two of them, as Laura’s current situation is less about her husband’s suspicious behaviors and more about her issues with Felix. His previous indiscretions, his opinions on women and relationships, his inability to take anything seriously – it’s all right where her brain goes when her relationship with Dean gets rocky, and it does nothing but make things worse. If you can relate, get ready for a good dose of therapy.
So, I know I just made this movie sound rather serious, but it’s actually a pretty breezy affair. Bill Murray is, of course, very funny and charming, and Rashida Jones is relatable as the every-woman that is Laura. Also, the film is carried by really warm undertones. Maybe Laura and Felix don’t see eye to eye on what’s going on now or what’s previously happened, but there is a distinct amount of love and appreciation that the two of them share for each other.
For me, On The Rocks exists somewhere in the top half of Coppola’s filmography. Definitely recommended!
On The Rocks will be available on Apple TV+ starting Friday, October 23.
One Last Thought:
While watching this I couldn’t help but wonder how similar Bill Murray’s character’s day-to-day is compared to that of his own. My guess is that it’s pretty close. Must be fun. And also kind of exhausting.
