Flora and Son
Irish film director John Carney is back with another music-driven comedy-drama named Flora and Son.
This Dublin-set film tells the story of Flora (Eve Hewson), who had her son Max (Orén Kinlan) when she was only 17. She feels angry and resentful about the course her life has taken and takes it out on everyone, particularly Max.
Their relationship is tumultuous and combative and Max has turned into a rebellious 14-year-old who is constantly getting into trouble with the police. Upon their recommendation to find Max a hobby, Flora rescues a beat-up acoustic guitar from a skip and they bond over music with the help of Los Angeles-based online guitar teacher Jeff (Joseph Gordon-Levitt).
Just like his earlier films, Sing Street, Begin Again and Once, Carney’s film contains original music. They aren't as catchy or memorable as some of his previous creations, namely Sing Street’s Drive It Like You Stole It, but they aren't supposed to be polished hits as they have been made by amateurs. Max's rap Dublin07 is particularly hilarious thanks to its questionable lyrics.
In film and in society, it is still a taboo to speak negatively about being a mother so it is refreshing to see a character be so open about it. Flora wants to be free and have fun and excitement and resents being stuck at home looking after a difficult teenager.
She imagines herself in Los Angeles with Jeff, making a living as a songwriter, but that is just a fantasy. Naturally, over the course of the story, music helps bring her and Max closer together and helps Flora feel less angry about her lot in life.
While the script as a whole is very strong, Flora is written particularly well and Hewson brings so much sass and attitude to her. Flora is permanently annoyed but she has a great sense of humour. Her singing voice isn't spectacular but Flora's isn't meant to be.
Gordon-Levitt is delightful as the good guy Jeff but he’s very much a supporting character, despite being the most recognisable face within the cast.
Flora and Son doesn’t quite reach the heights of Carney's previous movie, Sing Street, but it's still another uplifting crowd-pleaser.
On Apple TV+ from Friday 29th September.
