Daddio (2023): Full list of cast

Daddio is a 2023 American drama directed, written and produced by Christy Hall. The film's world premiere was at the 50th Telluride Film Festival on September 1, 2023, and it was brought to cinemas across the U.S. and Canada by Sony Pictures Classics on June 28, 2024.

The movie features Dakota Johnson as Girlie, a young woman returning to Manhattan, and Sean Penn as Clark, her taxi driver. The film focuses on their deep and candid conversations during a taxi ride.

The plot is about Girlie, who lands at JFK Airport and takes a taxi home. As the journey unfolds, an unexpected bond forms between her and Clark. Their conversations lead to personal subjects like relationships, s*x, vulnerability and life’s challenges. The film is notable for its intimacy, with most scenes happening within the confines of a cab. Christy Hall had originally conceived Daddio as a stage play.

The cinematic triumph of the film can be ascribed to the remarkable acting of the ensemble, namely Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn. Dakota took on the lead role and also served as a producer.

Meanwhile, Sean Penn portrays the seasoned and reflective taxi driver, Clark. Their interplay on screen deepens the emotional complexity of the picture.

Main cast of Daddio

Dakota Johnson as Girlie

Dakota takes the front stage as Girlie, a character battling the demands of life. Her subtle treatment of vulnerability adds more complexity.

Her performance is remarkable and captures the weight of emotional baggage Girlie bears. Dakota's recommendation of Sean Penn as co-star reveals her intense production involvement.

Sean Penn as Clark

Sean Penn plays the role of Clark, an experienced taxi driver who unexpectedly becomes a trusted confidant among passengers during the cab ride.

The depiction of Clark by Penn in the film creates a profound sense of sagacity and genuineness. The depth of his experience becomes apparent as the two characters participate in intellectually stimulating dialogues.

Supporting cast of the film

Marcos A. Gonzalez as Taxi line attendant

Gonzalez portrays the character of a Taxi Line Attendant, featured in the film very early on. Although his role is minor, it defines the tone of Girlie's journey, which allows for a more profound dialogue between Girlie and Clark.

Zola Lloyd as Girl with a Fish

Zola Lloyd appears as the Girl with a Fish, adding a brief but symbolic moment to the film. Her presence complements the overall narrative and contributes to the film's exploration of human connection.

Shannon Gannon is an uncredited actor who portrays a driver in a short scene. Although her role is minor, it adds to the world-building of the film and gives a glimpse of the broader environment outside the taxi ride.

Production team behind Daddio

Expand Tweet

Daddio is backed by a masterful production team that actualizes the script. Co-produced by Ro Donnelly, Terry Dougas, Emma Tillinger Koskoff and Paris Kassidokostas-Latsis, the film is directed and written by Christy Hall.

Remarkably, Dakota Johnson herself as a producer, showed her undying dedication to the film. Jean-Luc De Fanti, Chris Donnelly and Kostas Tsoukalas are the executive producers.

The crew accountable for the visual and auditory aspects of the film were equally integral. Working as the director of photography, Phedon Papamichael skillfully captured the constrained yet highly emotional moments that unfolded within the cab.

Lisa Zeno Churgin edited the film, creating a smooth and uninterrupted progression of the dialogues. Under Trip Brock and Steven Avila's direction, the sound department ensured that the dialogue-heavy picture maintained clarity and impact throughout.

Special effects and visual effects

A still from Daddio (Image via Sky Cinema)

While Daddio is predominantly a film that relies on dialogue, the special and visual effects teams served an essential purpose. Highly sophisticated virtual production technology was used to film the cab scenes.

Leading this effort was Julian Sarmiento, the Virtual Production Supervisor. The incorporation of LED screens to replicate the Manhattan streetscape enhanced the authenticity of the limited enclosure of the cab. This immersive experience was collaboratively developed by the visual effects team, which included Alex Noble and Lisa Daly.

Driven by great performance and strong dialogue, Daddio (2023) is a singular movie. With their rich dialogues grounding the story, Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn's carry the film.

Though little, the supporting cast gives the story depth. Led by Christy Hall, the production crew's inventiveness and commitment helped to bring the movie to life.

The movie is available on Amazon Prime Video.

Edited by Bhargav