SING STREET. A Song Is Good for Everything

I’ve loved John Carney ever since I first watched Once – that intimate story set in Dublin among street musicians completely drew me in, and the song Falling Slowly captivated me so much that I still listen to it often. The first mentions of Begin Again, Carney’s next project – this time with a Hollywood cast instead of non-professional actors – didn’t make me optimistic at all. I thought the Irish director had simply sold out. Nothing of the sort. The film quickly made it onto my list of favorite productions. In the feel-good movie category – top 3, without a doubt. In 2016, Carney’s third work premiered. Once again, music plays a huge role; once again it’s about love, about how it’s worth striving to fulfill dreams, taking risks, grappling with life. But there’s no question of repeating himself – except when it comes to the consistently high quality. Sing Street is a wonderful, youthful, slightly nostalgic, “ordinary” musical – you won’t see street dance numbers among crowds of singing passersby or perfectly polished studio vocals. It’s a joy to watch, not only as a beautiful picture with songs that practically beg to be hummed, but also as a smart story about how sometimes you just have to put it all on the line.

The 1980s, Dublin. Conor’s parents tell him they’re struggling financially and need to transfer him to a different school – a Catholic one. He has a hard time fitting in there, clashing with both teachers and peers. Things at home aren’t much better either. But one day Conor musters up the courage to approach a beautiful girl standing across from the school. He tells her he’s a singer, that he’ll soon be shooting a music video, and that she’d be perfect as the star of the clip. She agrees. There’s just one problem – where to find a band?

Cliché, the setup for a silly comedy? I admit, it sounds like that. But Sing Street will surprise you on that front and more. I haven’t seen such an optimistic film in a long time – and yet the creators don’t shy away from difficult subjects. Even though today the 1980s are mostly associated with fun, lightheartedness, and kitsch, in many places they were anything but pleasant times. Ireland included. Thanks to Sing Street, that period received a beautiful tribute.

Of course, there’s no shortage of kitsch either. Failed attempts at filming videos, exaggerated outfits, image experiments, and, of course, the music… Some people love it, others hate it. For me, the songs performed by the film’s band are wonderful, and not just because of the nostalgic charge. They fit the story perfectly, and some of them are truly catchy – I especially grew fond of Drive It Like You Stole It. On top of that, the soundtrack features hits by bands like A-ha, Duran Duran, The Cure, Hall & Oates, and Spandau Ballet. The young, fresh-faced actors fit this whole 80s vibe beautifully. Lucy Boynton, playing the protagonist’s love interest, clearly has what it takes to move up to the next league.

Just like with The Edge of Seventeen, it’s easy to relate to this story and these characters. Considering that it’s set in culturally closer Ireland, during times that for us were perhaps even less colorful, viewers should find something more in this film than just good humor and catchy songs. But as pure entertainment, Sing Street works just as well. Productions that can generate so many positive emotions in such a simple way don’t come around often. There’s nothing left to do but wait for the next projects from this Irish director.