Summary
- Apple TV+ initially disappointed fans by canceling
Schmigadoon!
, but is still releasing quality musicals like
Flora and Son
. - Flora and Son
stars Eve Hewson in a heartfelt story about finding passion for music and bonding with family. - Joseph Gordon-Levitt shines in a supporting role in
Flora and Son
, adding to the textured, moving story of music and connection.
As a music enthusiast and someone who has always found solace in the melodious tunes of various genres, I can’t help but be drawn to stories that celebrate the transformative power of music. The recent wave of musical films, such as “Flora and Son” on Apple TV+ and “Música” on Prime Video, have resonated deeply with me because of their authentic portrayal of individuals whose lives have been significantly impacted by music.
In early 2024, I was left disappointed as a musical theater fan when Apple TV+ decided to cancel the unique and hilarious parody series, Schmigadoon! The show’s impressive cast made it an exceptional production that deserved another season. However, Apple TV+ is making strides in the musical genre, consistently releasing critically acclaimed productions like the 2022 Oscar-winning film Coda. Although not every musical release garners the same level of success as Coda, I remain hopeful for future productions. For instance, John Carney’s 2023 feature, Flora and Son, didn’t receive the same recognition from the larger musical theater community upon its release.
In the show “Bad Sisters,” Eve Hewson shines as her character Flora from “Flora and Son.” This BAFTA Award-winning, Emmy-nominated murder mystery series is now available on Apple TV+. With its darkly humorous plot and talented cast, it was quickly renewed for a second season following its debut. In “Flora and Son,” Hewson portrays a young mother to her rebellious teenager, Max. Initially drifting through life and engaging in destructive behaviors to escape their troubles, they discover a newfound love for music that helps them turn their lives around and strengthen their bond.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt Shines in a Supporting Role in Flora and Son
In the novel “Flora and Son,” the setting is Dublin, Ireland. One day, Flora searches for guitar instructors online and stumbles upon Jack, who teaches remotely from Los Angeles. She selects Jack not only due to her attraction towards him but also because she finds him authentic in contrast to the excessively persuasive personalities she encountered earlier.
Flora playfully reveals her motivation for learning the guitar is due to a desire to be perceived as “attractive.” Initially hiding her true intentions, she later confesses that her fascination with music has been an innate part of her character. Through the movie, Jack plays a significant role in nurturing this interest and helping it blossom into a deep-rooted passion.
In John Carney’s portrayal, this shift is beautifully conveyed through a touching scene. Each time Flora is deeply affected by Jack’s singing, be it his comforting voice or the song itself, the camera makes a full circle rotation until Jack is no longer on her computer screen but seated next to her in person. This moment encapsulates the relatable sensation of being truly seen and connected to a song and its artist – an intimate and emotional experience that leaves one feeling as if they’re sharing the same space. Such a technique, when used judiciously and not excessively or in a montage, creates an impactful scene rather than an overdone or clichéd one. The undeniable chemistry between the pair further enhances the rich tapestry of the story.
The Musicals-as-a-Love-Letter-to-Music-Itself Phenomenon
Flora and Son acts as another entry into the growing “musicals about music” genre. Coda is about a child of deaf adults (C.O.D.A.) who is trying to balance her family obligations (to them as their interpreter and to their struggling fish sales business) with her growing passion for music and singing. Ruby (Emilia Jones) is a shy 17-year-old with a maturity far beyond her years. She always puts her family first, knowing they need her to help with tasks as basic as going to the doctor’s office. Not only that, but she genuinely feels this protective instinct. Her unique position as interlocutor has enabled her to see how unaccommodating and demeaning the hearing world can be to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
when Ruby becomes a member of her school choir under the guidance of her inspiring teacher Bernardo Villalobos (Eugenio Derbez), she discovers and develops her unique singing voice for the first time. Simultaneously, she faces the challenge of managing her choir practice schedule alongside her domestic responsibilities and academic commitments. In “Coda,” Ruby navigates this delicate balance and endeavors to reveal her newfound passion for music to those who are initially skeptical towards it.
There’s also the Prime Video musical starring writer/director Rudy Mancuso opposite Camila Mendes, Música. Música is about a synesthete who hears music in everyday sounds, so much so that it proves a distraction in his relationships, at school, running errands… In the film, Rudy’s self-insert character, Rudy, goes on a journey to channel his hardwiring into a superpower rather than an impediment. The film uses puppetry, animation, and music inspired by his Brazilian culture to create a unique and colorful identity. The choice to include multiple forms of media also accents how vibrant and loud the world must be with synesthesia. Both Flora and Son and Coda are streaming now on Apple TV+. Música is streaming on Prime Video.
Read More
- BODEN PREDICTION. BODEN cryptocurrency
- GHST PREDICTION. GHST cryptocurrency
- BETA PREDICTION. BETA cryptocurrency
- STRD PREDICTION. STRD cryptocurrency
- Mango Markets Exploiter Found Guilty Of Fraud And Manipulation
- GBP EUR PREDICTION
- MATIC PREDICTION. MATIC cryptocurrency
- LOOKS PREDICTION. LOOKS cryptocurrency
- BRN/USD
- TNSR PREDICTION. TNSR cryptocurrency
2024-07-29 04:53