Our ‘Cha Cha Real Smooth’ review was first published as part of our Sundance Film Festival 2022 coverage.
Where to watch: Now playing in select theaters and on Apple TV+ today, June 17, 2022.
Renaissance man Cooper Raiff once again proves that he can do it all–and do it all well, too. The writer-director-producer-actor’s follow-up to the breakout indie hit of 2020, Shithouse, is another low-key, high reward coming-of-age comedy that effortlessly ticks every box for what makes the perfect independent film. Cha Cha Real Smooth is the total package.
Raiff plays Andrew, a 22-year-old post-college graduate who, like most young adults these days, moves back in with his parents to regroup before joining the real world. And, like most grads, Andrew feels lost. His relationship with his college sweetheart gets complicated when she moves out of the country for an extended period of time. His job prospects include working the counter at Hot Dog on a Stick rival, “Meat Sticks,” and he’s sharing a bedroom with his younger brother. Things could be better. But Andrew does find joy in the most unexpected of places when he chaperoned his brother at a teenage bat mitzvah.
Andrew has an uncanny knack for turning any situation into a fun and lively experience. He embodies the “dance like no one’s watching” attitude and revels in removing the inherent awkwardness that comes with preteen slow dancing. His enthusiasm and all-around good nature are such a draw that parents begin hiring him to be a designated party orchestrater at their children’s events. Calling himself the “Jig Conductor,” Andrew starts to think that maybe this humble, small-town role could be his future. Especially as he becomes infatuated with local young mother Domino (Dakota Johnson), and her autistic daughter Lola (Vanessa Burghardt)–whose names may or may not be inspired by the Kirke sisters.
This is the point in the film when Cha Cha Real Smooth evolves from coming-of-age comedy to relationship drama. Andrew is drawn to Domino’s sweet soft voice, fiery spirit, and independent attitude; and like a moth to a flame, Domino can’t resist Andrew’s genuine charm and authenticity. The bond they create is undeniable, it’s a connection that is rare for both of them. Andrew even likens her to a soul mate. That’s why he is quietly devastated when Domino admits that she has a fiancée, and the relationship she’s building with Andrew can’t go past the friend stage.
He doesn’t want to lose her, and so he sticks around in whatever capacity she will have him. Domino is gentle with his vulnerable heart, and their mutual maturity allows them to write their own unconventional, platonic love story. After all, the role a soul mate plays in your life doesn’t have to be romantic. A soul mate can spark personal growth and inspiration–and there’s no denying that Andrew and Domino are better people for having met each other at that bat mitzvah.
Cha Cha Real Smooth is cha cha charming from start to finish. Cooper Raiff wears his heart on his sleeve and has made a feel-good movie about good people that just screams good from top to bottom. Little nuggets of wisdom about growing up are sprinkled in throughout the film, like reminding us that things that scare you are the things that will help you grow the most. Despite only being 24-years-old, I will gladly accept life advice from his films.
Behind the scenes, Cha Cha Real Smooth will make you want to throw your own party, thanks to the incredible soundtrack curated by music supervisor Rob Lowrey. Dancefloor favorites like The Show Goes On by Lupe Fiasco to Big Red Machine’s swelling Forest Green are an emotional rollercoaster that we want to ride. The film is further supported by a pitch-perfect score from 1/3 of the Haim sisters, Este Haim, and Chris Stracey (worth noting that this is their film debut).
Equally sweet and endearing, Cha Cha Real Smooth is a joy to watch. Raiff’s star is only getting brighter. And he deserves it.
107 minutes.
