Cha Cha Real Smooth: Powerful Relationships
The pandemic reinforced a foundational philosophical principle about human beings; we are communal by nature. We need relationships, even the most introverted person can admit that. There is a lot to be said about solitude and individual reflection, however it’s our relationships allowing us to adapt, survive and thrive. All stages of our personal growth are tied to the relationships we have. The kindness and love we feel from friends and romances lead to self-confidence, which can trigger growth. However, the unique and underrated aspect of our communal selves is that personal growth also comes from the trauma and pain of a failed or lost relationship. No matter the outcome, we need other people, which is what makes relationships an incredibly intimidating proposition. The vulnerability and openness required, allows for pain. Even if that pain leads to progress, it still makes for a trying process. It’s this complicated and convoluted principle that Cha Cha Real Smooth illustrates with its powerful relationships.
Initially, Cha Cha Real Smooth feels like a coming-of-age story. Andrew (Cooper Raiff) is a bit old for this by the textbook definition. But this film takes on that style and is ultimately the better for it. One of the thematic takeaways is the idea of personal growth. What makes the telling of this story so unique is where we find the illustrations of that growth. It’s not solely with the main character, it’s with nearly every character. Writer/Director Copper Raiff lands this rare achievement by centering the story around the protagonist’s relationships. They are at the core of everything. They drive the plot, character arcs, emotions and themes. The result is a rich tapestry of the power and beauty in the relationships we have and their impact on our personal growth.
The opening scene shows a young Andrew getting his heart broken by an older woman. This brief glimpse into his past sets the stage for exactly what this movie is going to be about and provides context for who Andrew is. The car ride home from the party in which the heartbreak takes place, we see Andrew crying. A scene familiar to anyone with experience with young love. When his mom (played wonderfully by Leslie Mann) climbs in the backseat to hug and console him, we see it. That empathy, love and care in a time of need is the foundation of Andrew’s life. It functions as a beautiful avatar of what we all want and need in that moment.
Years later when Andrew returns home from college, after another heartbreak, it’s no surprise. Nor is it when we see the great care and love he has for his brother, which he clearly learned from his mother. Their sweet relationship almost feels unique in its unabashed love each has for the other. In this relationship we see the importance of having an older, mentor figure to guide us. For David, his brother is the one person he believes can help him through his first relationship and the monumental first kiss. For Andrew, it’s an opportunity to be to David what his mother was to him and what his father hasn’t been for them both. It’s an endearing relationship, one that paints a full picture of this family. One that is not without its challenges but ultimately is driven by love in such a genuine way it’s aspirational.
Andrew’s party hosting roots can also be traced back to that first scene. The older girl he fell for was doing then, what Andrew later gets recruited to do. His ability to coax awkward teenagers out to the dance floor, drives his recruitment and ultimately the film’s two most important relationships. In his attempts to get reluctant dancers to join the party, he meets a mother and her autistic teenage daughter. They are both on the periphery of the school group. Lola (Vanessa Burghardt), because kids are mean, and Domino (Dakota Johnson) because parents may be worse. While they are a part of the school’s ecosystem, they are outsiders. This seems to draw Andrew to them even more and after a sweet bet with Domino, he gets Lola on the dance floor.
Andrew’s relationship with Lola is beautiful. It's earnest, honest and heartwarming, which is immediately recognized by Domino. Andrew can be a bit of a prickly character. His sarcasm and wit don’t always come off as charming. However, when pointed in the right direction he can be an endearing gentleman. We see a lot of that when he’s with Lola. He is unassuming, self-deprecating and very caring. He brings her out of her shell by simply caring for her. In that kindness we see a side of Lola that is rare and truly wonderful. It’s evidence of what a little caring, kindness and generosity can do. Their relationship isn’t about her autism, or anything other than him simply being nice to someone for the sake of being nice. That kindness has a ripple effect and touches so many other characters in the film.
This relationship directly leads us to the film’s central relationship, Andrew and Domino. She is a bit of a mystery, which plays directly into the hands of Dakota Johnson. Projecting intrigue and mystery may be her best skill as an actress. That intrigue bubbles under the surface of this relationship. One which starts with Andrew becoming Lola’s babysitter, but then quickly barrels into a romance. The complexity of this relationship is wonderful to watch unfold. The romantic elements are the least interesting, because they cover so much ground in their short time together.
With Domino it seems the more we learn about her the less we actually know. What can easily be seen, and is clearly gathered by Andrew, is that she is hurting. In her thirties and having lost her youth to raising Lola by herself, Domino feels as if she missed something. She is reluctantly chasing that thing at this stage in her life, even though it seems to bring her more pain. Andrew’s care for her, her daughter and his genuine interest in her as a person is appealing to her. It also becomes a cautionary feeling because she doesn’t want for him what she had. Through this relationship we see the angst that comes with being in your 30s, and the immaturity of your early 20s. Andrew doesn’t really know what he wants, but he believes “love” can help him find it. Domino’s immaturity is birthed from a feeling of insignificance, which Andrew fills and it almost costs her what she needs most, stability.
Their relationship is so dynamic because we think we want one thing, but once we discover the whole truth, we actually want the opposite. A feeling that is the perfect avatar for Andrew and his personal growth. Domino tells Andrew, “you can’t just decide you love somebody and that’s that, and everything is great.” While this is a line that could be used to define Cha Cha Real Smooth, it’s Andrew’s, “yes, you can,” response that best summarizes who he’s always been and why he’s in this position. Hearing him volley that off her a few times, with an emphatic confidence and then offering a kiss, you see for the first time, his immaturity. One that has painted the entire film, our whole experience with him as a character, and for the first time he sees it himself.
Relationships are what drive all human activity. We find acceptance, appreciation, love, purpose and any other tenet of personal growth that we need, in the experiences we have with others. For Andrew, he found himself through his relationship with Domino. The very thing holding him back he discovered by getting his heart broken. He also finds purpose through his relationship with Lola. Significance with his brother and genuine love from his mother. While the vulnerability of a relationship can sometimes lead to heartbreak, it can also make you better.
