Cooper Raiff and Alex Heller belong to a unique group of filmmakers that includes Ben Affleck, Lake Bell, and Joel Edgerton — writer, director, and star of their own movies. For Heller, this is her first time appearing as the triple threat in a full-length feature film. For Raiff, he’s been here before when his first film, Shithouse, premiered in 2020. As young writers and directors, both Raiff and Heller offer their own unique takes on subjects ranging from mental health, and family to being in love.
The Year Between
In The Year Between, Heller stars as Clemence, a college student whose world shifts when she receives a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Due to some bad behavior, she’s forced to leave school and move back home. Her mere presence seems to set everyone on edge, especially her younger siblings. Adulting is hard enough, but trying to do it while also adjusting to your new reality and everything that comes with it downright sucks. Clemence’s journey in the film is hard, and she is outright defiant, but ultimately ends where the possibilities for a different quality of life begins.
For Alex Heller, The Year Between is somewhat autobiographical. Based on her own experiences as someone with bipolar disorder, this film is a way of displaying the challenges associated with mental illness and how they affect not only the individual but also those close to them. The acting performances are superbly led by Steve Buscemi and J. Smith-Cameron and rounded out by Emily Robinson and Wyatt Oleff. Though Clemence is at times hard to root for, the film gives insight while providing some catharsis through forgiveness and acceptance.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Cha Cha Real Smooth
Cha Cha Real Smooth is a light-hearted film about Andrew (Raiff), a recent college graduate who spends his days working at a food spot in the mall and his nights getting the party started at bar/bat mitzvahs. One night, he meets single mom Domino (Dakota Johnson) and her teenage autistic daughter Lola (Vanessa Burghardt). His ability to get Lola to participate in the party makes an impression on Domino and she and Andrew begin to develop a friendship. As Andrew and Domino spend more time together, things get a bit complicated as they form a deep connection.
Executive produced by Dakota Johnson, Cha Cha Real Smooth is a charming film. Most of that charm is due to the casting and how the characters relate to each other on-screen. The connection between Andrew and his little brother David (Evan Assante) is so sweet and feels authentic. Leslie Mann and Brad Garrett are also wonderful even though their roles are small. The story is well-written, but not particularly memorable. Much more of a slow dance than a banger, Cha Cha Real Smooth is a good watch if you’re looking for some feels but not so much that you’re wrecked for the day. You can stream this film on Apple TV+.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
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