Everyone’s a beginner in Mike Mills’ universe

In his new film C’mon C’mon, Mike Mills shows us the complicated relationships between adults and children – how we’re different, the same, and ultimately just trying to understand each other.

When you think of “coming of age” films, they’re usually about a teenager, a twenty-something, or someone who is still just discovering who they are. But when it comes to filmmaker Mike Mills’ characters, one thing he seems to understand better than most, is that we’re all continually coming of age.

In C’mon C’mon, Mills introduces us to Johnny, a radio-host played by Joaquin Phoenix (in his first role since winning the Oscar for Joker), who spends his days interviewing young people about their perspective on the future. His work is interrupted when his sister calls asking if he could look after his nephew, Jesse (played with ferocity and wonder by newcomer Woody Norman), while she’s away taking care of her sick husband.

Johnny and Jesse don’t have much of a relationship. It’s clear that Johnny and his sister Viv (Gaby Hoffman) are estranged, so Johnny hasn’t seen his nephew in some time. He’s also never had to take on a parenting role before. As we get to know these two characters, one a man in his forties, and the other, a nine-year old boy, it becomes apparent that both are lost and confused, in very similar ways.

This is a theme that Mills often explores. He focuses on the more vulnerable, nuanced sides of adulthood, and in a way, almost likens them to the wonders and discoveries of childhood. In Beginners, he tells the story of a father and son, a man in his seventies who has just come out as gay, and who is also dying of cancer, and the impacts that has on his son. Suddenly both men are having an identity crisis and questioning everything. It’s the way Mills handles intergenerational relationships that highlight the surprising similarities we have with one another at any age. 

When it comes to filmmaker Mike Mills’ characters, one thing he seems to understand better than most, is that we’re all continually coming of age.

C’mon C’mon is a beautiful depiction of the ways adults and children communicate, express themselves, and try to understand each other. As Johnny becomes responsible for Jesse, he feels completely incompetent. Even though he’s a grown man, there’s so many things he doesn’t know. There’s this expectation that adults should know what they’re doing, especially when it comes to taking care of children. But the truth is, everyone is just figuring it out as they go. This is a hard realization for Johnny, but it’s something every parental figure goes through.

We slowly learn more about Johnny as the film goes on, why he is the way he is and how his experiences have shaped him. Unlike the aggression needed for the Joker, Johnny required such a gentle performance from Phoenix. He’s always proven to be a versatile actor, but it’s in these quiet and reflective roles where he truly shines. Phoenix is the perfect match for Mills’ philosophical world.

The way that Mills navigates the hopes and fears of the children in this film, whether it’s Jesse or one of the many kids Johnny interviews, you realize the uncertainty that we all face, regardless of age. Johnny is desperately trying to understand a younger generation, but that’s partly because, he’s also trying to understand himself. With every new situation, we’re all just beginning again, and there’s a real beauty to that.

C’mon C’mon is in select Cineplex theatres on November 26th.