After work he walks Marvin, the family dog, and stops for a beer at Shades Bar, where he interacts with the other patrons and the owner, Doc.

The site's critical consensus reads, "Paterson adds another refreshingly unvarnished entry to Jim Jarmusch's filmography—and another outstanding performance to Adam Driver's career credits.

[18] Todd McCarthy of The Hollywood Reporter gave a positive review, writing of Jarmusch: "A mild-mannered, almost startlingly undramatic work that offers discreet pleasures to longtime fans of the New York indie-scene veteran, who can always be counted on to go his own way.

"[19] Eric Kohn of Indiewire also gave a positive review, writing: "But Paterson has too much clarity of mind to fall into a similar category.

The story builds to an accidental circumstance that, on the surface, might not seem like a big deal—but in the context of Paterson’s tiny universe, resonates with tragic connotations.

It’s an apt statement from Jarmusch, a filmmaker who continues to surprise and innovate while remaining true to his singular voice, and who here seems to have delivered its purest manifestation.

"[20] David Edelstein noted the film's unreality, writing: "What Jarmusch hasn't attempted in his Paterson is to explore the part of the city that was called, when Williams wrote about it, 'the slums.'