Sing Street
This review was originally written in 2016
Sing Street is an independent musical drama helmed by Irish director John Carney. Carney, who is probably considered an indie darling for directing films like Once and Begin Again, has returned to make a delightful little film that feels fresh and innovative in a year that seems to have churned out mostly disappointing blockbusters. Though, I - as it seems like most people have - missed the theatrical run of Sing Street. Which is unfortunate, since this film is an absolute charm.
The story is a simple coming-of-age tale about a boy trying to get the girl. In this case, a boy named Conner tells this girl Raphina that he is in a band and that they are scouting for a model to shoot for a music video. Once Conor has Raphina’s attention, Conor then has to form a band in order to follow up on his lie. For as simple as a premise as that may seem, Sing Street is a really layered movie that has so much more to offer.
Sing Street is a high school movie about figuring out one’s own identity. It's a movie about the bond between two brothers. It's a movie about taking all the negative aspects in one’s life and turning it into something positive. It's a movie about never giving up on dreams. It’s a movie that embraces youth, creativity, and seizing the moment.
Ferdia Walsh-Peelo plays Conor, and he does an excellent job of making the audience empathize with, relate to, and care for Conor. Lucy Boynton plays Raphina, and she does a good job of playing the love interest without feeling like a stereotypical cliché. Aiden Gillen and Maria Doyle Kennedy of Game of Thrones and The Tudors fame, respectively, also have a role in the film as Conor’s parents; they are going through a divorce, and their separation sets in motion the journey that Conor goes on.
The rest of the cast is comprised mostly of newcomers, but the stand out performance in Sing Street is by far Jack Reynor, who plays Conor’s older brother Brendan. Reynor is best known for his role in the awful film Transformers: Age of Extinction where he played the creepy boyfriend whose only characteristic was driving around in a really fast car. In Sing Street, though, he is actually allowed to show his acting chops and does a fantastic job as the older brother. Reynor’s performance as Brendan is pretty nuanced; Brendan cares for Conor, is loving, and guides Conor through is problems, but he is also very flawed, troubled, and has issues of his own that he is dealing with. Anyone who has an older brother may see a bit of them in Brendan. I certainly did. So the film is dedicated to “brothers everywhere” for a reason.
If I had one critique with Sing Street, it is that it feels very similar to Carney’s previous films. He clearly has an affinity for musical dramas, and if that genre is what he’s best at that then he should certainly stick to it, but I couldn’t help but think of his past films due to certain shots and story beats. At least he still knows how to make good, catchy songs, though.
The choice of music in Sing Street captures the spirit of 80s culture perfectly. The last act of this movie is also very touching. Conor’s youthful energy is infectious and even inspired me to keep chasing after my own dreams. Anyone who grew up in the 80s is sure to be reminded of their own youth, and anyone who is currently Conor’s age may even be encouraged to make some art of their own.
Sing Street is the kind of feel good movie that has something for everyone; do yourself a favor and check it out.
