On the Rocks

On the Rocks

Year: 2020

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

Director: Sofia Coppola

Echo Score: 71
AdventureDramaComedyRomance

Laura begins to suspect her marriage isn't as stable as she thought when her husband starts working late nights with a new colleague. Seeking advice and a bit of adventure, she turns to her charming, unconventional father, Felix. Together, they embark on a series of nocturnal escapades around New York City, uncovering unexpected truths about Laura’s husband, their own relationship, and the complexities of family bonds.

On the Rocks (2020) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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In the restless glow of New York’s nightscape, Laura finds the quiet routines of her family life suddenly tinged with unease. Married to the charismatic Dean, a successful professional, she is juggling the demands of motherhood, a fledgling writing project, and the subtle shifts that make her question the stability she once took for granted. The city itself becomes a reflective backdrop, its bustling streets and hidden corners echoing the inner disquiet that nudges her toward something more than polite conversation and bedtime stories.

When the tension mounts, Laura reaches out to the one person who has always lived on his own terms: her father, Felix, a magnetic and unapologetically unconventional figure whose charm is as disarming as his outlook on life. Their relationship is a blend of affection, teasing, and the occasional clash of generations, with Felix’s carefree philosophy offering both a foil and a lifeline for his daughter’s spiraling thoughts. His presence promises a different kind of counsel—one that leans into adventure rather than resignation.

Together they embark on a series of nocturnal wanderings through the city that feels part investigation, part escape. The tone balances witty banter with heartfelt moments, letting the neon-lit avenues and quiet cafés become a canvas for rediscovering trust, humor, and the complexities of family ties. As they glide from one impromptu detour to the next, the film paints a portrait of a daughter learning to listen to her instincts while a father tries to rewrite his own legacy, all wrapped in a warm, slightly irreverent slice of urban life.

These midnight escapades hint at deeper truths waiting just beyond the next streetlight, inviting the audience to wonder how far curiosity and love will carry them before daylight—and reality—once again demand answers.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 01:08

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Movies with Father-Daughter Duos like On the the Rocks

Mismatched parents and children team up for personal, often comedic, investigations.Discover other films that feature charming father-daughter investigative pairs. If you enjoyed the witty and poignant dynamic between Laura and Felix in On the Rocks, you'll find similar stories of family reconciliation through shared adventures and personal sleuthing.

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Narrative Summary

A daughter, often at a crossroads in her life, reluctantly enlists the help of her charismatic but flawed father to look into a personal matter. Their investigation serves as a vehicle for comic misadventures, uncovering hidden truths about each other and mending their strained relationship, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding and reconciliation.

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Movies are grouped here for their central focus on the redeeming and comedic power of the father-daughter relationship when tested by a shared mission. They share a bittersweet tone, balancing humor with emotional vulnerability, and a steady, character-driven pacing.

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Characters navigate a city at night to uncover truths about themselves and others.Explore films that capture the magic and mystery of a city at night. If you liked the New York City nocturnal adventures in On the Rocks, this list features similar movies where nighttime escapades lead to self-discovery and emotional breakthroughs.

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Narrative Summary

A protagonist, often feeling lost or suspicious, ventures into the city after dark, either alone or with an unconventional companion. The journey through illuminated streets and hidden spots parallels an internal exploration, forcing confrontations with doubts and fears, and culminating in a clearer perspective and renewed sense of self by dawn.

Why These Movies?

This thread groups movies that share a specific atmospheric vibe defined by the urban nightscape. They create a mood that is at once anxious, reflective, and suspenseful, using the city's nighttime energy to fuel a character's introspective and transformative journey.

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Characters, Settings & Themes in On the Rocks

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