Premiering at the Telluride Film Festival last year, “Daddio” seemingly came out of nowhere with a starry cast and a minimalist logline. Starring Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn, the film is essentially just a two-hander set in a taxi cab, where a driver (Penn) and the rider (Johnson) basically strike up a long and provocative conversation about life, politics, and their outlooks on the world.
Directed by Christy Hall, who co-created the series “I Am Not Okay With This” and makes her directorial debut with “Daddio,” the film is a very stripped-down, minimalist affair that relies on the charm and talents of its two lead actors.
Our review from TIFF praised the two actors, the design of the film, the writing, and its ability to sustain itself despite the super spare concept.
“Hall’s writing is so insightful,” our reviewer wrote. “There’s a well-observed authenticity to these characters, and she gets all the logistical and geographic details right.. Johnson and Penn’s connection is genuine, and there’s an awful lot to like here.”
Here’s the official synopsis:
New York City. JFK airport. A young woman jumps into the backseat of a yellow taxi, the cabbie throws the vehicle into drive as the two head out into the night toward Manhattan, striking up the most unexpected conversation resulting in a single, epic, remarkable journey.
“Daddio” has no release date yet, but Sony Pictures Classics snatched up rights to the picture late last year. The new teaser trailer gives a small taste of what the picture has in store and promises a summer release. Watch the new trailer below.
