On the Rocks

Unspoken hostility between newlyweds and in-laws is nothing new, of course, but On the Rocks finds a fresh and amusing way to explore familiar territory.

This sharply observed character-driven comedy from director Sofia Coppola (Lost in Translation) provides an incisive examination of relationships from a female perspective, with emotional depth beneath its lighthearted surface.

Laura (Rashida Jones) has some issues involving the men in her life. Her husband, Dean (Marlon Wayans), is a loving father to their two young kids, but he’s always traveling for work. A struggling Manhattan writer, Laura starts to feel insecure around Dean’s attractive friends and co-workers, especially the alluring Fiona (Jessica Henwick).

As her neuroses give way to suspicions about infidelity, enter Felix (Bill Murray), Laura’s boozy playboy father who’s a pompous blowhard yet still not entirely off-putting. He swoops into town for a visit carrying a passive-aggressive hostility toward Dean that has selfish ulterior motives.

Laura is one of the few who can see through Felix’s overbearing façade, which masks a constant cry for attention. As she asks rhetorically: “Can you ever just act normal around any woman?”

Nevertheless, Laura’s maternal instincts value stability, so she tries to balance Felix’s outlandish conspiracy theories with presuming Dean’s innocence and loyalty until she has proof otherwise. Felix insists on finding that assurance at all costs, knowing that Laura just can’t say no. Everybody else loves him, so why shouldn’t she?

The film sometimes struggles to remain grounded while introducing screwball elements, such as a hilarious sequence during which Felix and Laura stake out Dean’s business dinner in a conspicuous classic convertible while munching on caviar.

Coppola’s richly textured screenplay probes contemporary gender roles through some intriguing character dynamics, as Laura is forced to reevaluate her relationships with both husband and father.

In a role likely written specifically for him, Murray expertly makes a random collection of quirks feel authentic and charming, even as Felix’s behavior becomes increasingly desperate and boorish.

Jones (“Parks and Recreation”) takes advantage of a fleshed-out leading role worthy of her talents. Plus, it’s nice to see Wayans again stepping outside of his broad slapstick comfort zone.

With such endearing performances, it doesn’t matter that On the Rocks is overall breezy and innocuous rather than profound. No deeper message is required, not that Felix would hear it anyway.

Rated R, 97 minutes.