(***)
Writer/director John Carney scored big with his Irish rom/dra/mus Once. That gem won an Oscar® for Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song for the tune “Falling Slowly.” In fact, the story and music were so rich that project evolved into a popular Broadway musical. This new stab at the same genre isn’t nearly as mesmerizing, but beguiling nonetheless.
Flora (Eve Hewson), a young mom and former Dublin, Ireland party girl, is having trouble parenting her rebellious 14-year-old son Max (Orén Kinlan). He’s constantly in trouble at school and being admonished by a local cop. His bad attitude and behavior can be traced to his parents’ breakup. His da Kev (Paul Reid) still lives in the neighborhood but doesn’t see him much.
The connection between mom and offspring is strained on a good day and explosive on a bad one. Things change when she finds that the path to his soul is through music. Who knew that the day she dumpster dived and retrieved an old ratty guitar would change their relationship for the better?
Music as an elixir is Carney’s specialty, and that notion lifts the ordinary screenplay up. Not up to heaven, but close enough. Especially when Flora takes virtual guitar lessons from a dude in L.A., Jeff (Joseph Gordon-Levitt). That added flirty, romantic and loving dimension gives the film its wings.
Nice ensemble acting from all. Even Reid as the aloof dad has a character arch worth following. Some songs stand out (the electronic dance music) more than others (ballads). When Max sings the catchy tune “I’ll Be the One,” the film perks up, transitioning from a nice family saga to something as effervescent as a pop song.
The consistent magic and glory of Carney’s Once may never be duplicated. But, by the time Flora and Son reaches its coda, the music makes the people come together. As it should.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beNTTHnMIy8
For more information about the Toronto International Film Festival go to https://tiff.net/.
Visit Film Critic Dwight Brown at DwightBrownInk.com.