New Film “Flora and Son” Bridges Gap between Music and Heartwarming Story
In an unexpected departure from our usual pop music focus, we couldn’t resist shining a spotlight on a movie that seamlessly intertwines with the world of music. “Flora and Son,” a feel-good and relatable film, has captured our attention.
For those familiar with director John Carney, it’s no surprise that music plays a prominent role in his films. From his previous works such as “Begin Again,” “Sing Street,” and the Oscar-winning “Once,” Carney has consistently showcased his ability to craft compelling stories through the power of music. Some of his previous musical gems, like “Lost Stars” and “Once,” have left a lasting impact on audiences.
Approaching “Flora and Son,” our expectations were aligned with Carney’s signature style. True to form, his latest film features struggling singer-songwriter characters that pull at the heartstrings.
The central narrative revolves around Flora, portrayed by the talented Eve Hewson, who portrays a young mother yearning for meaning in her monotonous life. Meanwhile, her son Max, played by Orén Kinlan, is the quintessential rebellious teenager facing the challenges of his parents’ separation.
Eve Hewson’s portrayal of Flora, a smart and wine-drinking character, coupled with Orén Kinlan’s depiction of Max, creates a believable dynamic between mother and son.
Initially, their relationship is filled with strife and tension, but the ice begins to melt when Flora discovers an acoustic guitar in a dumpster. Intent on fostering a cooler relationship with Max, she enrolls herself in online guitar lessons, embarking on a journey that sets the stage for the film’s progression. Enter Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the guitar teacher, Jeff, and the story starts to build.
We won’t spoil all the details for you, but one noteworthy scene involves Jeff serenading Flora with a country ballad titled “I Hope That I Don’t Fall In Love With You” after she persistently flirts with him during their lessons. Another scene captures Flora’s surprise as she realizes her son has produced an epic song that she initially criticized.
Bringing in Max’s influence as a Gen Z character, who dabbles in technology by nicking keyboard MIDI controllers, adds a refreshing contemporary touch to the story. The inclusion of his self-written track, “Dublin 07,” injects a youthful element of fun.
Eventually, a collaboration between Flora and Max becomes inevitable. When it happens, the musical synergy they create is endearing. Carney successfully captures the essence of their harmonious connection through the synth pop-infused love song, “I’ll Be The One.” Max wrote this track for his crush, and with the help of his mom, they filmed a music video using just a cellphone.
Music emerges as the common thread that bridges the gap between mother and son. A climactic collaboration between all the main characters culminates in a grand performance at an open-mic show. The trajectory of the story becomes predictable at this point, but Carney’s execution remains masterful.
With a clean buildup and heartfelt execution, the film naturally leads to the catchy theme song, “High Life,” which captures the essence of the entire experience. Carney’s expertise in weaving music into the fabric of his stories shines through brilliantly.
“Flora and Son” is a testament to Carney’s ability to create wholesome and heartwarming films that showcase the transformative power of music. Whether you’re a fan of his previous works or simply a music enthusiast, this film is sure to strike a chord with audiences everywhere.
