Cha Cha Real Smooth
Cha Cha Real Smooth is a 2022 American romantic comedy-drama film written, directed, and starring Cooper Raiff in his feature directorial follow-up to Shithouse.[1] The story centers on Andrew, a 22-year-old recent college graduate adrift in his New Jersey hometown, who takes a job as a "party starter" at bar and bat mitzvahs, where he forms a deep friendship with Domino, a young mother played by Dakota Johnson, and her autistic teenage daughter Lola, portrayed by Vanessa Burghardt.[2] Premiering in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival on January 23, the film won the Audience Award in that category and was subsequently acquired by Apple TV+ for distribution.[3] Produced by Dakota Johnson, Ro Donnelly, Erik Feig, and Jessica Switch, among others, Cha Cha Real Smooth features supporting performances by Brad Garrett as Andrew's father, Leslie Mann as his mother, and Evan Assante as his younger brother David.[1] With a runtime of 107 minutes, the film explores themes of post-collegiate uncertainty, unconventional relationships, and personal growth through heartfelt, character-driven storytelling.[2] It was released worldwide on Apple TV+ on June 17, 2022, following its festival success. Critically acclaimed for its emotional authenticity and Raiff's promising sophomore effort, Cha Cha Real Smooth holds an 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 231 reviews, with the consensus praising it as "a touching dramedy that wears its heart proudly on its sleeve."[2] It also earned a 7.3 out of 10 rating on IMDb from over 30,000 users and received nominations including at the Hollywood Critics Association Midseason Awards.[4] The film's reception highlights Raiff's talent for blending humor and pathos, particularly in its sensitive depiction of neurodiversity and millennial malaise, though some critics noted its familiar indie tropes.[1]Narrative and characters
Plot
Fresh out of college, 22-year-old Andrew returns to his family home in New Jersey, grappling with post-graduation aimlessness and uncertainty about his future after his girlfriend departs for an internship in Barcelona.[5] Struggling to find direction, he takes a job as a party starter—essentially a hype man and dancer—to liven up bar and bat mitzvah celebrations, beginning with his younger brother's event where he unexpectedly excels at engaging the crowd and turning the gathering into a lively affair.[6] During one of these gigs, Andrew meets Domino, a 32-year-old mother attending with her autistic daughter, Lola; what starts as a professional interaction evolves into a deep friendship with both, marked by playful outings and genuine emotional support that challenges Andrew's sense of isolation.[7] As their bond grows, it introduces themes of unexpected connections across generational and life-stage differences, with Andrew helping Lola navigate social awkwardness at parties while sharing vulnerable moments with Domino about her own stalled aspirations.[8] Interwoven with this budding romance are Andrew's strained family dynamics, including tensions with his ex-girlfriend who has moved on, and interactions with his bipolar mother, who encourages his involvement in family events despite her own emotional volatility, and his stepfather.[9] These relationships highlight Andrew's internal conflicts over lingering attachments and familial expectations, prompting moments of jealousy and reflection on his stalled independence.[10] Through his experiences at the parties and with Domino and Lola, Andrew confronts his aimlessness, fostering personal growth as he weighs the comfort of home against the pull toward self-defined paths, ultimately deciding to pursue greater autonomy amid these evolving ties.[2]Cast
The principal cast of Cha Cha Real Smooth is led by Cooper Raiff, who portrays Andrew, a recent college graduate navigating post-graduation uncertainty while living at home in New Jersey.[6] Dakota Johnson plays Domino, a free-spirited mother who forms an unexpected connection with Andrew.[6] Vanessa Burghardt makes her feature film debut as Lola, Domino's nonverbal teenage daughter on the autism spectrum.[11] Burghardt, who is autistic herself, brings authenticity to the role, marking a significant representation of neurodiversity in casting.[12] Supporting the leads are Evan Assante as David, Andrew's younger brother preparing for his bar mitzvah, and Odeya Rush as Macy, Andrew's high school acquaintance and former romantic interest.[6] Raúl Castillo portrays Joseph, Domino's fiancé and a grounded professional figure in her life. Leslie Mann appears as Lisa, Andrew's supportive yet exasperated mother managing a blended family.[13] Brad Garrett rounds out the family dynamic as Greg, Andrew's stepfather and Lisa's husband, providing comic relief through his gruff demeanor.[14]| Actor | Character | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cooper Raiff | Andrew | Aimless recent college graduate working as a bar mitzvah party host |
| Dakota Johnson | Domino | Enigmatic mother with a young daughter |
| Vanessa Burghardt | Lola | Nonverbal autistic teenager, Domino's daughter |
| Evan Assante | David | Andrew's younger brother |
| Odeya Rush | Macy | Andrew's former high school friend |
| Raúl Castillo | Joseph | Domino's fiancé, an attorney |
| Leslie Mann | Lisa | Andrew's mother |
| Brad Garrett | Greg | Andrew's stepfather |