Writer and director John Carney, known for his music-infused films like “Once” and “Begin Again”, once again strikes a chord with audiences in “Sing Street The Movie”. For those who typically cringe at the synthesized sounds of 1980s music, prepare to be charmed. Carney masterfully uses the era’s soundtrack not just as background noise, but as a vital character in this heartwarming and crowd-pleasing story. He steers clear of the typical “musical” label, focusing instead on the genuine human experiences that music amplifies.
The film plunges us into Dublin in 1985, a city grappling with economic hardship. We are immediately introduced to Connor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) in a potent opening scene. His parents (Aidan Gillen and Maria Doyle Kennedy), constantly bickering, deliver the news that financial constraints are forcing them to move him from his comfortable prep school to a tougher, inner-city institution. This new school is a stark contrast, filled with bullies and stern teachers, including clergy.
Connor quickly finds his place amongst the outcasts. In a pivotal moment, he spots the alluring and enigmatic Raphina (Lucy Boynton), an “older” girl who captivates him. On a whim, he invites her to be in his band’s music video. She surprisingly agrees, setting in motion Connor’s impulsive yet determined mission to actually form a band – one that exists only in his imagination at that point.
Two central relationships truly anchor “Sing Street the Movie”: Connor’s budding romance with Raphina, and his mentorship with his older brother, Brendan (Jack Reynor). Brendan becomes Connor’s life coach and musical guru, guiding him through the exciting new landscape of music videos and 80s bands. The film provides genuine comedic moments as we watch Connor eagerly adopt the iconic styles and sounds of bands like Duran Duran and The Cure, mirroring their fashion and musical nuances.
Interestingly, Connor’s motivation isn’t necessarily a deep-seated passion for music itself, but rather, it’s presented as a vehicle to win over Raphina. However, the underlying message of “Sing Street the Movie” resonates deeply: while teenagers often feel powerless to fix the larger problems around them – family issues, school bullies, societal pressures – they possess the agency to transform themselves. Finding a passion, what the movie refers to as a “vocation,” becomes their path to self-improvement and personal growth.
“Sing Street the Movie” subtly pays homage to the coming-of-age storytelling of filmmakers like John Hughes and Cameron Crowe. Carney infuses his signature romantic sensibility into the narrative, creating a film that is both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. A standout moment is the undeniably catchy original song, “Drive It Like You Stole It,” a tune that perfectly encapsulates the film’s energetic spirit, alongside a playful jab at Phil Collins. “Sing Street the Movie” is ultimately a funny and genuinely sweet film, poised to gain significant traction through enthusiastic word-of-mouth recommendations.
