My Grade: A-, currently streaming on AppleTV+

Plot: A single mom at war with her son is trying to find a hobby for him. One day, she rescues a guitar from a dumpster. -IMDB

Review: Writer/Director John Carney is a master of weaving music into the narratives of his movies. The musician lovers of Once (2007) connect and express their emotions through songs, on the streets of Dublin, Ireland. The disgraced music executive and the struggling singer of Begin Again (2013) get a second chance at life, by making an album in the heart of New York City. The teenage boys of Sing Street (2016) in 1985 Dublin form a band to impress a model and break out of their small town. Music is always the common denominator in all of Carney’s projects. That device is the driving force of his latest movie, Flora & Son, which once again displays Carney's uncanny way of expressing the transformative power of music in an entertaining and heartfelt package.

The movie centers on Flora (Eve Hewson) and her troubled teenage son Max (Orén Kinlan). They share a disconnect that stems from Flora’s regrets in life. When music is brought into the equation, Flora’s guitar lessons with the charismatic Jeff (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), via video chat (he lives in Los Angeles), help awaken a sense of self-purpose. Flora and Max (whose skills in music production impress Flora) start to form a missing bond.

Carney expertly incorporates music into the story's narrative in an organic manner. The working-class setting of Dublin lends a sense of authenticity to the movie, which starkly contrasts the lighter fantasy music-related moments. Carney is able to infuse these particular sequences with genuine sincerity, thanks to the lived-in quality of the characters and their circumstances. The honesty of the dialogue and performances help to make the happier moments feel earned and true. Carney doesn’t shy away from depicting the messiness of the characters. He creates a movie that is hilarious and touching in equal measure without ever slipping into maudlin emotions.

The performances are terrific all around, but the standout is Eve Hewson in the title role. Flora is a warts and all type of woman and Hewson infuses her with an unapologetic sass and genuine passion, giving a powerhouse performance that never rings false. She is a natural and exciting talent who deserves all of the praise. I look forward to seeing what she does next. Hewson has playful and romantic chemistry with Gordon-Levitt, who displays his usual charisma and depth in the role, along with a musicality that would make him an excellent lead in a musical. The heart of the movie is the contentious relationship between Flora and her son Max. Kinlan infuses Max with the teenage angst required, but also a scrappy charm. Their scenes are full of humor and heartbreak, thanks to their expert work in the roles. Jack Reynor also does solid work as Flora’s failed musician ex-boyfriend and father of Max.

The original music (songs co-written by Carney and Gary Clark) is catchy and lends to many of the wonderful music-infused scenes throughout the movie, creating a memorable soundtrack. The rooftop scene, in particular, with Hewson and Gordon-Levitt is euphoric in its romanticism. Though the movie does tread familiar storytelling for Carney, no one utilizes music’s power in movies the way he does. His screenplay is full of warmth, humor, and sadness without resorting to sappiness. Thanks to his skillful guidance and a radiant Hewson leading the way, Carney has created another crowd-pleaser that will have you laughing and cheering by the end.

See you at the movies!

Cristian Barros