Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022) is a comedic drama written, directed by, and starring Cooper Raiff as Andrew, a recent college graduate who returns to his hometown in New Jersey without a clear direction for his future. Working a low-paying food court job, he unexpectedly lands a gig as a party starter at local bars and bat mitzvahs. At one of the events, he meets Domino (Dakota Johnson), an older woman, and her autistic daughter, Lola (Vanessa Burghardt). As Andrew begins taking care of Lola, he slowly forms a close bond with both her and Domino, developing romantic feelings that extend beyond a simple friendship. Domino, though engaged to another man (Raúl Castillo), finds herself emotionally drawn to Andrew as well.

What starts as a charming romantic setup evolves into something much deeper and more emotionally layered. Instead of following the expected trajectory of a typical romantic comedy, where a well-meaning but aimless young man wins over a woman who is seemingly out of his league, Raiff tells a more nuanced and introspective story. The film is a character-driven story of two people at different stages in their lives, each confronting their own emotional complexities and limitations.

Cha Cha Real Smooth explores themes of emotional maturity, self-discovery, and the often unpredictable nature of human connection. Through Andrew’s evolving relationship with Domino and Lola, he begins to understand that growing up is not about having everything figured out, but about embracing vulnerability, taking responsibility, and learning to let go. The film touches on various forms of love including while also bringing up loneliness and the longing for understanding. By leaning into intimate, emotionally honest moments rather than dramatic twists, the story offers a refreshing take on coming-of-age, capturing the beauty in life’s uncertainty and the grace found in learning how to move forward.