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'On The Rocks' Showcases Excellent Rashida Jones Performance In Sophia Coppola's Newest Film

Apple TV+
Rashida Jones and Bill Murray star in "On The Rocks," now streaming on Apple TV+.

Sophia Coppola has earned her place among Hollywood’s best directors with over two decades of filmmaking. Her unique style was most recently applied to writing and directing the comedy, On The Rocks.

This film brings together Coppola and Bill Murray once again, except now to our small screens as it was released directly to Apple TV+. On The Rocks follows father-daughter duo Felix and Laura, played by Murray and Rashida Jones, as they tail Laura’s suspicious husband.

Set in the pre-coronavirus scenes of Manhattan, Coppola brings together the unrelenting busyness of parenthood along with the emotional journeys of marriage and family relationships. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn3sK4WiviA

Lake Effect film contributor Dave Luhrssen points out Jones’ performance as one of the standout parts of this movie.

“It was a remarkable performance facially, her expressiveness, you know, she was able to react to boredom and joy and irritation and sadness and doubt and all of these kinds of emotions with just a flicker in response or reaction,” says Luhrssen.

The dynamic between Laura and her wealthy, art dealing playboy father also makes for an entertaining and introspective feel that Billy Murray was naturally suited for.

Luhrssen also points out Coppola’s strength as an editor made this film flow smoothly and tell a full story in around 90 minutes — something that is uncommon in the film industry today.

“I think it was just perfect,” he says.

You can read Dave Luhrssen's full review of this film here.

Audrey is a WUWM host and producer for Lake Effect.
David Luhrssen is arts and entertainment editor of the Shepherd Express, co-founder of the Milwaukee International Film Festival and co-author of A Time of Paradox: America Since 1890. He is the winner of the Pace Setter Award for contributions to Milwaukee's film community from the Milwaukee Independent Film Society. David Luhrssen has taught at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design and Milwaukee Area Technical College.