Song Sung Blue arrives with star power and an inspirational true story, but don’t be fooled by the feel-good marketing, this is a story that completely pulls the rug out from under you with many dark turns that would be unbelievable had they not actually happened. It will plaster a smile to your face but also reduce you to tears.
The film follows the state-famous Neil Diamond tribute band, Lightning and Thunder, made up of Mike (Hugh Jackman) and Claire (Kate Hudson). We follow the pair through their whirlwind romance that builds around their desire to form a Neil Diamond tribute act or, as they say, an act of Neil Diamond interpreters, rather than tributes; unlike their previous careers on the tribute circuit, neither is trying to be Diamond, but instead capture his music and songs in their own reverential way. They marry and form a kind of blended family, with Claires two children and Mike’s daughter, familial relationships that are also explored in the film. Lightning and Thunder enjoy a rapid rise to local fame and become so successful they are even invited to open for Pearl Jam. However, it isn’t long before tragedy strikes.
This is an incredibly winning film and it is impossible not to root for our two protagonists. Jackman and Hudson put in truly excellent performances that remind you of their charisma and star power yet simultaneously their ability to inhabit their roles, entirely believable as these ‘ordinary’ people pursuing their extraordinary dreams. Mike and Claire’s enthusiasm and ambition are so infectious you find yourself willing them on, entirely invested in each moment that feels so high stakes in their personal worlds, even if it is just whether the clientele at a certain bar is going to react well to their set list. The film believes in the two of them as well; there isn’t a hint of cynicism in the filmmaking or condescension towards two people who truly believe in what they are doing. It is refreshing and allows the film to really wear its heart on its sleeve.
The performance scenes in the film are brilliant, whether it is rehearsals at home or performances on ever-bigger stages, the film creates great atmosphere. The cinematography also brings energy to the scenes buzzing with Mike and Claire’s excitement, particularly their first time playing together, with the camera encircling them and moving in and out in a way that captures the improvisational energy of the moment at hand. The entire film is imbued with a real feeling of humanity, capturing the joy that comes from seeing people do what they love, on whatever scale. No matter what size the audience is, we are just as invested in the high Mike and Claire get from performing.
The goodwill generated towards the characters makes the dark twists of fate that much more shocking and affecting. The film takes a sharp left turn when you least expect it before following a number of beats that would feel as though they were pulled straight from an overwrought melodrama were they not true. The film keeps you on your toes and the darkness eventually serves to highlight the film’s overall message, rather than overpower it. Jackman and Hudson transition seamlessly into the film’s deeper moments, keeping their character’s humanity but allowing the layers to be seen as they are tested beyond belief. They are supported by a great cast all round, but particularly by Ella Anderson as Claire’s daughter. The film manages to move between the darker and lighter points of the story without it feeling forced and without the tonal shifts feeling too jarring. Although after certain plot points, the lighter moments don’t feel quite as safe, but then again, that’s life.
Song Sung Blue covers the spectrum of human emotion and experience and will make you laugh then cry then laugh then cry again. A big-hearted film powered by great lead performances, it is a film you should give a chance, whether the trailer enticed you to or not. It’s hard to see anyone not being won over.
