Review: On the Rocks

Sofia Coppola's (The Virgin Suicides and Lost in Translation) latest feature may be her lightest film yet — One the Rocks still offers plenty of charm, emotional jabs, and a personal journey led by our two lead actors Bill Murray and Rashida Jones.

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Since the birth of The Virgin Suicides (1999), director Sofia Coppola has been one of the leading directors in Hollywood every step of the way. For the last 20 years, Coppola has given us some of Hollywood's greatest treasures, like The Virgin Suicides and Lost in Translation (2003). Coppola has also gone on to make other aesthetic features like Marie Antoinette (2006), The Bling Ring (2013), and The Beguiled (2017). Coppola's style and craft have continued to mature over time — gifting her films with beautiful set designs, lavish cinematography, and potent storylines. Coppola has always been in control of her work, continuing to elevate her art. She continues to prove the importance of having a female perspective behind the lens of a camera. On the Rocks showcases some of Coppola's greatest talents as a director; while also elevating Murray and Jones' charming chemistry. Given its contemporary setting and adventurous vibe, On the Rocks' underlining theme will sneak up on you.

The film follows Laura (a compelling Jones), a New York City mom who's married, has two young daughters, and is a writer. Dean (Marlon Wayans) is Laura's husband, who spends most of his nights traveling as a successful entrepreneur. Through Dean's demeanor, Laura becomes suspicious that Dean is having an affair with a co-worker of his. Laura's larger-than-life father, Felix (a never better Murray), decides to form a stakeout and see if the affair is true. This impulse, brought on by Felix, is questioned by Laura at first — what if everything is alright and Dean's affair is not true? On the Rocks is a conventional dramedy with a few surprises tucked away inside. As Felix zips his shiny red car around the city, Laura wonders if she is doing the right thing. It's the perfect blend of a father-daughter relationship fueled by tension, affection, and past misgivings.

Jones' committed performance helps anchor this film, while Murray provides a zany blend of bad decision making. Visually satisfying, On the Rocks is a wonderful Coppola feature about the anxiety of adulthood and the blues of relationships. We see the day-to-day activities of being a parent, that is beautifully illustrated like a painting on a wall. On the Rocks may never go as deep as past gems, like The Virgin Suicides or Lost in Translation — nevertheless — Coppola's newest feature stands on its own. On the Rocks is a delight to watch, emotionally engaging, and gorgeously acted. Just like real relationships, Jones and Murray provide us with rough patches, never smooth. By doing so, we see their relationship come full circle, allowing us to reevaluate our own. Through its humanistic caper lens, in the end, this is a lighthearted dramedy that awaits to be watched.

On the Rocks is rated R (Restricted) Some Language | Sexual References.

One the Rocks is available to stream on Apple TV+

Directed by Sofia Coppola

Starring Bill Murray, Rashida Jones, Marlon Wayans, Jessica Henwick, Jenny Slate, and Barbara Bain.