🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Sofia Coppola
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Release year: 2020
- Runtime (length): 1h 36min
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10 (73K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A rich woman enlists her playboy dad to stalk her husband because of a suspicious kiss, resulting in a lot of martinis and mild paranoia but ultimately nothing happening, proving rich people have too much time and Alfa Romeos.
🍿 On the Rocks: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Laura’s Suspicion
Laura, a novelist and mother of two, begins to suspect her husband, Dean, may be having an affair due to his frequent work trips and a perceived distance between them. Fueled by doubt and a feeling of disconnect, she finds herself increasingly preoccupied with the possibility of infidelity.

Felix’s Intervention
Laura confides in her charming and somewhat mischievous father, Felix, a retired art dealer and self-proclaimed expert on relationships. Felix, a known philanderer himself, encourages Laura’s suspicions and offers to help her investigate Dean. He believes all men are prone to straying, further fueling Laura’s anxiety.

The Investigation Begins
Felix and Laura embark on a series of humorous and somewhat absurd stakeouts, following Dean around New York City. Their escapades involve fancy restaurants, covert operations, and philosophical discussions about love and relationships. Laura begins to question her own insecurities and the state of her marriage.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Laura (Rashida Jones): A novelist and mother of two who suspects her husband is having an affair and seeks advice from her father.
- Felix (Bill Murray): Laura’s charming, playboy father and a semi-retired art dealer who encourages her suspicions and joins her in spying on her husband.
- Dean (Marlon Wayans): Laura’s career-driven husband, whose long work hours and close relationship with a colleague lead to Laura’s suspicions of infidelity.
- Fiona (Jessica Henwick): Dean’s attractive co-worker, whose presence fuels Laura’s suspicions about her husband’s fidelity.
- Vanessa (Jenny Slate): A fellow mom at Laura’s children’s school, who provides a contrasting perspective on relationships and single life in New York.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Felix: “You need to start thinking like a man.” – Felix advises Laura, reflecting his own views on relationships and potentially stirring her suspicion.
- Felix: “We’re men. We’re wired to procreate.” – Felix attempts to justify infidelity as natural, revealing his outdated and problematic views.
- Laura: “It must be very nice to be you.” – Laura says this to her father, Felix, alluding to his carefree and seemingly consequence-free lifestyle.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $11,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $483,607
- Worldwide Gross: $992,103
💥 On the Rocks Reviews
Personal Review
I really wanted to love this movie more than I did. The chemistry between Bill Murray and Rashida Jones was undeniable and brought a lot of warmth to the screen. While the film is visually beautiful and has moments of clever humor, the narrative felt somewhat aimless. I was hoping for a more profound exploration of the characters’ inner lives, but it ended up being a light and enjoyable, yet not particularly memorable, watch. The scenes in New York were stunning, and I liked how Coppola really captured the city’s vibe.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Sofia Coppola’s films”
- “Viewers who enjoy character-driven stories”
- “Those interested in relationship dramas with a touch of humor”
- “People who appreciate movies set in New York City”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Suggestive dialogue”
- “Mild language”
- “Mature themes related to infidelity and marital issues”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “Coppola crafts a stylish, if lightweight, dramedy elevated by Murray’s charm. While Jones delivers a nuanced performance, the film ultimately lacks significant emotional depth, leaving viewers wanting more substance beneath the surface.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “Bill Murray shines as the mischievous father, but the narrative meanders without delivering a strong emotional payoff. The film touches on themes of marriage and trust, but ultimately feels like a pleasant yet insubstantial diversion.
- The Guardian: “A breezy, enjoyable film with sharp dialogue and strong performances. While the plot is somewhat predictable, the dynamic between Murray and Jones is captivating, and Coppola’s direction captures the essence of New York’s elite.
Audience Reactions
Bill Murray’s performance was the highlight, bringing humor and charm.: Viewers praised the film’s lighthearted tone and the dynamic between Bill Murray and Rashida Jones.
The New York scenery and cinematography were visually appealing.: Many found the film visually pleasing, appreciating its depiction of New York City.
Overall Consensus: A light and enjoyable dramedy elevated by Bill Murray’s performance, but ultimately lacking significant emotional depth.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The picture of Bill Murray’s character and Barack Obama playing mini-golf in the film is a real photo. It was taken when Bill Murray was presented with The Mark Twain Prize.”
- “This is Sofia Coppola’s third collaboration with Bill Murray, following ‘Lost in Translation’ and ‘A Very Murray Christmas’.”
- “Sofia Coppola drew inspiration from her own relationship with her father, Francis Ford Coppola, when writing the dynamic between Laura and Felix.”
🖥️ How to Watch On the Rocks?
On the Rocks is available to stream on Apple TV+. You may also find it available for rent or purchase on platforms like Prime Video, Google Play, and Apple TV. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed On the Rocks, you might like these similar films:
- Lost in Translation (2003): Also directed by Sofia Coppola and starring Bill Murray, it explores themes of isolation and connection in a foreign city.
- Something’s Gotta Give (2003): Features an older man (Jack Nicholson) romancing a younger woman (Amanda Peet) while also developing feelings for her mother (Diane Keaton). Shares themes of aging, relationships, and second chances.
- Frances Ha (2012): Another film about a young woman navigating life and relationships in New York City, capturing a similar slice-of-life feel.
🛒 On the Rocks Related Products
- Bill Murray: The Biography: Explore the life and career of the iconic actor Bill Murray, known for his comedic timing and memorable performances. Delve into his early years, career highlights, and the stories behind his most famous roles, offering a comprehensive look at one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars.
- New York City Skyline Jigsaw Puzzle: A challenging and beautiful jigsaw puzzle featuring the iconic New York City skyline. Perfect for fans of the film’s setting, offering hours of entertainment and a stunning display piece when completed.
- Martini Cocktail Shaker Set: A stylish martini cocktail shaker set, perfect for recreating the classic drinks featured in the film. This set includes all the essential tools for mixing delicious martinis, adding a touch of elegance to any home bar.
- Official ‘On the Rocks’ Movie Poster: High-quality reproduction of the official movie poster. A great addition to any movie lover’s collection, perfect for framing and displaying in your home theater or living room.
🎧 Soundtrack
On the Rocks features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
No, Dean is not cheating on Laura. Her suspicions were fueled by her own insecurities and her father’s cynical views on relationships. It turns out he was working hard on an upcoming birthday gift for her.
The movie emphasizes the importance of communication and trust within a marriage, while also exploring the complexities of father-daughter relationships and the challenges of maintaining long-term commitments. It shows love requires good communication, or otherwise it breaks down.
On the Rocks was filmed primarily in New York City, showcasing iconic locations and capturing the vibrant atmosphere of Manhattan.
🔥 Bonus Content
FLY ME TO THE MOON | Film Threat Reviews
Thinking of watching ‘Fly Me to the Moon’? Film Threat’s review gives you the lowdown! They point out some really interesting aspects, and honestly, their insights might just change your mind about seeing it.
Scenes from… The Flintstones: On The Rocks – “A Natural Redhead?!”
Ever wondered what William Hanna’s last project was? This opening scene from ‘The Flintstones: On The Rocks’ is a rare gem, a really cool look back at classic animation. It’s definitely worth a watch!
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