Daddio Review: Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn Exchange Conversation in Lowkey Cab Drama

   November 18, 2024

Sometimes, all it takes is a pair of skilled actors with strong on-screen chemistry to keep an audience engaged. The single-location, vehicle-based setup has been done sparingly, with Tom Hardy’s Locke standing as a standout example. While Christy Hall’s directorial debut, Daddio, doesn’t quite reach the same level of precision or intensity, it still holds its own. The passive, flowing conversations between Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn over the film’s 100-minute runtime manage to sustain interest and carry significant weight.

Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn in Daddio (2024)
Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn in Daddio (2024)

Daddio thrives on the strength of its two leads. Dakota Johnson (The Lost Daughter, Madame Web) is perfectly cast, delivering a performance that is both dry and magnetic, making her character effortlessly engaging. Her natural charisma, paired with the depth and resolve of her role, makes her easy to root for—at least, that’s how her cab driver, Clark, sees her. Sean Penn (Fast Times at Ridgemont High, The Game, Licorice Pizza) portrays Clark with a mix of gruff charm and raw candor, occasionally pulling back the curtain to remind viewers of his captivating presence and sharp delivery.

Even though Daddio leans on Sean Penn’s talent to succeed, he’s not delivering one of his more extravagant or outlandish performances. Instead, he embodies an everyday cab driver—one who enjoys stirring the pot and engaging passengers in conversation. Penn and Dakota Johnson’s dialogue evolves naturally, shifting from casual cabbie small talk to deeper discussions about desire and relationships.

Their exchanges are captivating, thanks to the actors’ chemistry and the film’s thoughtful pacing and editing, which make it easy to immerse yourself in. The late-night New York backdrop becomes an integral part of the experience, adding atmosphere and character that elevate Daddio beyond just an experiment in structure or form.

Daddio may not be the best movie of 2024, but it makes the most of its simplicity. The unlikely pairing of Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn works surprisingly well, keeping the film consistently engaging and intriguing. Christy Hall delivers a straightforward yet effective directorial debut that offers an enjoyable experience. At its core, Daddio serves as a reminder that Dakota Johnson is a talented actress and Sean Penn still has the charisma and skill to captivate.

Score: 6/10

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