In her directorial debut, Christy Hall, the showrunner of Netflix’s teen supernatural drama I Am Not OK With This, takes the taxi-connection concept and extends it into a full-length feature. The two-hander is a showcase for Dakota Johnson, who over the past few years, has grown into a fine actor.
Taxi Driver and New Yorker’s Heart-to-Heart
Sean Penn co-stars as a lone-wolf taxi driver and old-guard New Yorker who picks up Johnson’s character, Girlie, from JFK. On their ride to Brooklyn, they engage in an open conversation about life, love, sex, relationships, and more. Penn’s character has a blunt and sometimes crude demeanor when discussing his past relationships. However, Girlie can handle these interactions as they often spar during the journey.
Working with Christy Hall
Dakota Johnson describes her experience working with Christy Hall: I loved working with Christy. She truly understood the essence of the script and guided me through my character’s journey with precision.
The film production was swift, taking only 16 days on a soundstage.
A Unique Cinematic Experience
Dakota Johnson also serves as a producer on Daddio, alongside Ro Donnelly through TeaTime Pictures. For her, this project was unlike anything I had ever read.
She cited influences like Locke and My Dinner with Andre, emphasizing the film’s unique format. The challenges of production were both inspiring and enticing for Johnson.
Tapping into Diverse Experiences
With her production company TeaTime Pictures, Johnson has been part of notable projects like 2023’s The Disappearance of Shere Hite and Cooper Raiff’s 2022 Sundance rom-com Cha Cha Real Smooth. Johnson highlights that producing allows her complete creative investment throughout the filmmaking process.I learned that over time, I realized that I have a lot to offer creatively,
she said about producing. This dual role lets her artistry stay engaged beyond just acting.
Penn’s Raw Portrayal Guided by Hall’s Vision
During a June appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Sean Penn remarked that if the film were directed by a man or written by a man, it might have led to professional backlash. Dakota Johnson supports this view by acknowledging that having a woman at the helm made it possible in today’s climate without crossing lines due to toxic masculinity.
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