After picking up the much-lauded ‘CODA’ at the Sundance Film Festival 2021, Apple TV has grabbed another buzzy film at Sundance this year. The deep-pocketed company has snared heart-touching comedy drama ‘Cha Cha Real Smooth‘ for worldwide streaming on its Apple TV Plus.
While not many details for the deal are available, as per reports in the media, Apple had paid $15 million for worldwide rights for the film. It is the highest sum of money that has exchanged hands at the Sundance Film Festival this year. Most acquisitions have been in the range of $5 – $10 million. That makes Apple’s ‘Cha Cha Real Smooth’ acquisition the most expensive one at the festival.
‘Cha Cha Real Smooth’ has been written and directed by Cooper Raiff. He also stars in the film as the lead. Cooper Raiff plays a newly passed out college graduate, who embarks on a relationship with a single mother. Dakota Johnson plays the female lead opposite Raiff. Leslie Mann, Brad Garrett, Vanessa Burghardt, Raul Castillo and Evan Assante, among others, form the rest of the cast.
The film is a coming-of-age story of the young graduate who navigates the quirky relationship while figuring out his life goals. The film has received rave reviews at the Sundance Film Festival 2022, where it premiered on 23rd January. Critics have called it the best film at the festival this year. CHA CHA REAL SMOOTH is the ONE, best of the festival so far. A viewer called it “The epitome of a warm blanket, my heart is smiling so wide”. Another said, it’s “Going to be really hard for anything to beat Cha Cha Real Smooth this year as my favourite movie”.
Top critic Matt Neglia was even more effusive in his praise. He said,
“Cha Cha Real Smooth is not only a step up for Cooper Raiff from Shithouse but it also firmly cements him as a major new voice. His sensitive direction, perceptive writing & chemistry with Dakota Johnson (her best work to date) is so warm & inviting. I loved every moment of this.”
Looks like Apple has another winner on its hands after its last year’s Sundance acquisition, CODA. CODA proved to be a huge success for Apple TV Plus, winning accolades from critics and audiences alike.
Stay tuned to Binged.com for news on the release date for ‘Cha Cha Real Smooth’ on Apple TV Plus.
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