Flora and Son

Flora and son follows Flora, a single mom who is at war with her son, Max. Trying to find a hobby for Max, she rescues a guitar from a dumpster and finds that one person's trash can be a family's salvation. The title is a little misleading as it is mostly a movie about Flora trying to navigate raising her son while also falling in love with her online guitar teacher.

I really enjoyed this movie for the most part. The Characters were interesting. Eve Hewson and Joseph Gordon-Levitt had amazing chemistry. And the music. But when the movie ended, I thought that was it? It feels like there should be a part 2 or something. Nothing really gets resolved.

Flora and Son is another feel-good winner from John Carney. A messy Irish single mother, wonderfully played by Eve Hewson, takes up online guitar lessons with a charming LA-based Joseph Gordon-Levitt and learns how to take control of her life and re-connect with her son. Henson delivers a fantastic performance, and Gordon-Levitt is so charming! Carney shows how important music is to our lives and what it can do for so many. Starts off a little generic, but quickly finds its heart and soul. John Carney is simply one of those directors where you can literally see their passion in their work. Exactly what you would expect: Funny, wholesome, and heartfelt with a catchy songs and a proper use of the internet to connect and share art. What more could you want?!

I love Sundance Film Festival! As a fan of Sing Street, I was excited when I saw that John Carney's latest film was playing in Park City. The experience of watching the film with the director and cast in the room was phenomenal.

Carney is a masterful writer/director, and I am continually drawn to his storytelling. The performances in the film were equally strong with Eve Hewson crushing her role and forming a chemistry-fueled bond with Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

It's hard to separate the film from the experience. The finale was a little jumbled and lacked closure in certain aspects. During the Q&A, Carney said that this film was a dedication to mothers (similar to how Sing Street was "for brothers everywhere"). Knowing that, my perception of the film's ending changed. The music was not as strong as his previous films, but it was still a solid movie.

Best Character: Flora Best Scene: Rooftop Duet

Additional Note: I wish that I could download the songs and listen already, but that will have to wait until the film is released.

Flora and Son is yet another feel-good musical comedy drama by John Carney. As a fan of Begin Again, I was excited to watch this new film by the same director. Also, Eve Hewson getting the recognition and breakout she deserves.

Eve Hewson finally lands a lead film role which really made me happy and she truly shines as Flora. She is really amazing as a frustrated young mother who sparks interest in music.

The songs and music were pretty good and it's a pretty feel-good film. Here, the direction continues to balance out Irish culture, music and a bit of romance. Eve Hewson and Joesph Gordon-Levitt have pretty nice chemistry with good dialogue interaction moments that builds up together.

However, the narrative, on the other hand could've been more creative or energetic. With some minor flaws, this film still is a nice little film which I enjoyed pretty much.

This movie has plenty of flaws and cliches...and I did not care all that much. Carney has this way of using music to overcome an audience's resistance. I was like, "This is worse than 'Begin, Again,'" and, "Well, it ain't 'Sing Street.'" But then a mother and son started making music together. And I was cooked. This is basically "Hearts Beat Loud" but Irish and with more familial antagonism. Is it Carney's best? Nope. Not even close. Some of the Joseph Gordon Levitt scenes were downright laughable (not to mention cringy). But it says something when the moments and performances are enough to overcome all (or most of) the flaws. Hewson especially kills it. She takes something fairly stereotypical and transforms it into a complex character that can carry a film. This movie may not be perfect, but that doesn't mean it is any less enjoyable.