Song One

Song One from 2014 stands as a rich cinematic portrayal of the transformative power of music, healing, and connection, painting a poignant picture of life's often subtle unpredictability and interconnections. Rising talents Anne Hathaway and Johnny Flynn beautifully lead this intimate and evocative drama, supported by a captivating performance from Ben Rosenfield.

Directed and written by Kate Barker-Froyland, Song One unfolds against the lush backdrop of the bohemian subculture of Brooklyn's music scene. Hathaway plays Franny, a PhD candidate in Anthropology, whose estranged younger brother Henry, portrayed by Rosenfield, is tragically hit by a car and slips into a coma. This unexpected mishap forces Franny to cut short her expedition and travel back home, re-entering a life she had chosen to leave behind, and starting on a path towards reconciliation and self-discovery.

Despite their strained relationship, upon learning of her brother's fandom of popular indie singer-songwriter James Forester, brilliantly played by Johnny Flynn, Franny reaches out to James in a heartfelt attempt to heal her brother with his music. She hopes that playing Henry his favorite songs might stir him from his unconscious state, a poignant gesture that brings the power of music to the forefront.

Song One also explores a deeper narrative, exploring how music can serve as a tool of reconciliation and healing for broken relationships. In her efforts to reconnect with her brother, Franny immerses herself in the vibrant Brooklyn music scene her brother was passionate about, which subsequently leads to her unexpected connection with James. What begins as a meeting out of circumstance gradually blossoms into a unique romantic relationship, their shared love for Henry and music becoming grounds for their deepening bond.

The strength of Song One lies in its gentleness and realism. It frames a story of grief and healing in a lyrical narrative, using the rhythm of melody and the charm of Brooklyn's intimate music venues as an emotional backdrop. It’s not just the dialogue that carries the narrative forward but also heartfelt songs, punctuating the film throughout and serving as pivotal narrative tools that express feelings and emotions words often fail to capture.

Hathaway delivers an understated yet deeply emotional performance as Franny, embodying her character's journey of self-discovery convincingly. Flynn, in his role as the sensitive and charismatic James, complements Hathaway every step of the way. His charming on-stage performances add an extra dimension to his character and provide some of the film's memorable highlights. Rosenfield, although primarily unconscious in the film, brings heart to his character through subtle nuances and the numerous flashbacks that fill the narrative.

Song One emphasizes on character development over plot—not much happens in the foreground, but so much is unveiled within the characters. Franny and James are characters battered by life who find comfort in each other, and their stories delicately and touchingly reveal how resilience and shared passions can help overcome life’s challenges.

Cinematographer John Guleserian deserves immense credit for evoking the atmospheric beauty of New York City, focusing on moodily lit stages, intimate gatherings, and the night-time sheen of the city streets, all of which add depth to the movie's aesthetic. The film's authentic indie soundtrack, largely composed by real-life duo Jenny Lewis and Johnathan Rice, also weaves a magical tapestry of sound that stands as a character in its own right.

In conclusion, Song One is an emotionally evocative and visually stunning film, imbued with the soothing rhythm of indie music. The film handsomely showcases the combined talents of Hathaway, Flynn, and Rosenfield, pioneering a subtle, slow-burning, but emotionally resonant narrative about rediscovery, connection, and the moving capacity of music. With Kate Barker-Froyland's authentically penned screenplay and soulful direction, it's a film sure to resonate with all who cherish thoughtful, character-driven cinema with a musical soul.