Cha Cha Real Smooth Christian Review
Movies about life’s growing pains often fall into two categories: the overly saccharine crowd-pleasers or the brooding, introspective think-pieces. But every now and then, a film strikes a rare balance, tapping into the everyday chaos of being human with humor and heart. Cooper Raiff’s Cha Cha Real Smooth is that kind of movie—a tender, disarmingly simple tale that isn’t just about growing up but about growing into yourself.
At first glance, you might dismiss it as another indie darling with quirky characters and a sweetly melancholic soundtrack. But there’s something deeper simmering beneath its breezy charm. Raiff’s second feature is not just a feel-good film; it’s a feel-real one. It dances between the light and heavy, the heartfelt and awkward, offering a story that feels unpolished in all the right ways.
Small Stories with Big Truths
The story follows Andrew (played by Raiff himself), a 22-year-old college graduate stuck in the weird liminal space between academia and adulthood. He’s charming but aimless, working as a party starter for bar mitzvahs and living with his family as he tries to figure out what’s next. The movie unfolds in Andrew’s world of odd jobs and family dinners, but its heart lies in his connection with Domino (Dakota Johnson), a young mother he meets while working one of his gigs.
This is not a grand, sweeping love story. It’s not a rom-com with neatly packaged resolutions. Instead, it’s a study of relationships in their raw, unfiltered forms—messy, imperfect, and beautifully human. It’s a film that thrives in its quiet moments: a glance across a crowded room, a conversation laced with unspoken truths, or the stillness of a bittersweet goodbye.
Christians watching this film might recognize echoes of something profound: the way God often works in the small and ordinary. Like Andrew, we sometimes search for meaning in the grand gestures when the real work of grace and growth happens in the mundane.
Vulnerability and Its Many Masks
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its willingness to lean into vulnerability. Andrew’s charm lies not in his confidence but in his openness. He’s not afraid to feel deeply, to show up for people even when he doesn’t have all the answers. Whether he’s navigating the complexities of a friendship with Domino or trying to be a role model for her autistic daughter, Lola, Andrew is raw and sincere.
For Christians, this kind of vulnerability is a reminder of how God calls us to approach life and relationships—with humility, empathy, and an open heart. It’s not about having it all together; it’s about being present, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Domino, too, is a study in vulnerability, though hers is more guarded. She’s juggling the demands of motherhood and the weight of her own insecurities, trying to reconcile her feelings for Andrew with the life she’s already built. Watching their relationship unfold feels like watching two people learn to wade through their own messiness, trying to find something solid to hold on to.
Relationships Beyond the Romantic
While Andrew and Domino’s connection is central to the film, Cha Cha Real Smooth is about more than just romantic relationships. It explores the broader web of human connection—family, friendship, and the fleeting bonds we form with strangers.
Andrew’s relationship with his mother (played with warmth and wit by Leslie Mann) is a standout. Their dynamic is full of the tenderness and tension that define so many parent-child relationships, especially during the transition to adulthood. And then there’s Andrew’s stepfather, a character who could easily have been reduced to a caricature but is instead treated with surprising depth and empathy.
For Christians, these moments serve as a reminder of the value of all our relationships, not just the romantic ones. Scripture is full of examples of how we are called to love and care for one another, whether as family, friends, or neighbors.
A Film That Refuses to Rush
One of the most refreshing aspects of Cha Cha Real Smooth is its pacing. This is not a film in a hurry. It takes its time, letting scenes breathe and emotions simmer. There’s an unforced rhythm to Raiff’s storytelling that feels authentic, almost improvisational.
Some viewers might find this lack of urgency frustrating, but for those willing to lean in, it’s a gift. Life rarely moves in tidy narrative arcs, and this film embraces that. It’s a story that invites you to sit with the characters, to watch them wrestle with their choices, and to see beauty in the uncertainty.
As Christians, we can appreciate this kind of storytelling because it mirrors our own journeys. Faith, like life, is rarely about quick fixes or clear answers. It’s about walking forward, one step at a time, trusting that God is at work even when we can’t see the full picture.
The Challenge of Growth
In many ways, Cha Cha Real Smooth is a film about growth—how we grow into ourselves, how we grow in our relationships, and how we grow through our mistakes. Andrew’s journey is not about achieving some grand success or finding a perfect partner. It’s about learning to show up for the people he loves, even when it’s hard, and figuring out how to balance his own needs with theirs.
This resonates with the Christian idea of sanctification, the process of becoming more like Christ. Growth is rarely linear, and it often comes with its share of missteps and setbacks. Watching Andrew stumble through his journey reminds us that grace is not about being perfect; it’s about being willing to try, to learn, and to keep moving forward.
The Beauty of Imperfection
Cha Cha Real Smooth is not a perfect film. There are moments where it feels a bit meandering, and some of the supporting characters could have been developed more fully. But its imperfections are part of its charm. It’s a film that embraces the messiness of life rather than trying to smooth it over.
For Christians, this is a beautiful reminder of how God meets us in our imperfection. We don’t have to have it all together to be loved, to be worthy, or to make a difference. Like Andrew, we’re all works in progress, stumbling our way toward something greater.
Final Thoughts
Cha Cha Real Smooth is not a flashy film, but it doesn’t need to be. Its power lies in its honesty, its warmth, and its willingness to sit with the complexities of life. It’s a film that invites you to laugh, cry, and reflect—all without ever feeling forced or manipulative.
For Christians, it’s a story that resonates on a deeper level, reminding us of the importance of vulnerability, the value of relationships, and the beauty of grace in the everyday. It’s a film that feels less like a polished narrative and more like a conversation—a messy, heartfelt, and ultimately hopeful look at what it means to be human.
In a world that often prioritizes perfection over authenticity, Cha Cha Real Smooth is a breath of fresh air. It’s not just a movie; it’s a reminder that life, in all its imperfection, is a gift.
