Daddio (2024): A Taxi Ride to Remember

Imagine getting into a cab after a long day and finding yourself in a therapy session with the driver. That’s Daddio for you—a film that takes the simple act of flagging down a taxi and turns it into the emotional equivalent of a 10-course meal. And somehow, it works.

Sean Penn: The Cabby Confucius

Sean Penn plays Clark, a taxi driver who looks like he’s been around since New York was just a collection of huts. He’s the sort of bloke who probably has a “world’s greatest grandad” mug at home but uses it to hold screws. You can almost smell the faint whiff of car air freshener and existential dread coming off him. His gruff, seen-it-all demeanour is paired with nuggets of wisdom that are equal parts profound and “did he just make that up?”

Dakota Johnson: The Passenger with Questions

Dakota Johnson, meanwhile, plays Jess, a young woman who gets into this cab looking for a ride but ends up with life advice, unsolicited anecdotes, and a surprising amount of emotional vulnerability. She’s got that perfect balance of "Why am I still here?" and "Actually, this is quite deep." Watching her slowly crack open Clark’s crusty exterior is like peeling an onion—if onions occasionally told you about their divorce.

A Taxi Full of Chat

The entire film takes place in the cab, which, let’s face it, is a bold move. There’s no car chase, no dramatic city-wide blackout—just two people having a chinwag. It’s a bit like one of those late-night chats you have with your Uber driver after three pints, except this one’s scripted and considerably less slurred.

The dialogue is sharp and sometimes so honest you’ll feel like an accidental eavesdropper. One minute they’re discussing life’s big questions, the next they’re swapping stories that would make your nan clutch her pearls. It’s touching, yes, but also slightly unnerving—like being hugged by a stranger who knows your childhood nickname.

New York City: The Silent Third Character

Outside the cab, New York is doing its usual thing—buzzing, honking, and generally being a bit much. The city’s neon lights and grime make a lovely backdrop for the emotional rollercoaster happening inside. It’s like a rom-com set in a bin lorry—surprisingly poetic if you look hard enough.

A Taxi Ride to… Therapy?

The ending isn’t so much a destination as it is a vague suggestion. You don’t walk away with answers, just a lingering feeling that you’ve learned something important—probably about yourself, possibly about parking meters.

Final Thoughts

Daddio is a film that takes you for a ride, quite literally. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s surprisingly moving for something that essentially involves two people sitting in traffic. Is it for everyone? Probably not. If you prefer your films with explosions, you might find yourself checking your watch. But if you’re up for some brilliant acting, sharp dialogue, and a heartfelt look at human connection, you’ll love it.

Just don’t expect your next cab ride to be half as entertaining. Unless you get lucky, and your driver is Sean Penn. Or at least someone who looks like he’s got stories to tell and a flask under the seat.