Flora and Son

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.

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 had the pleasure of prescreening this movie and I was bored by the description but after watching this movie, it is easily one of my favorite movies I have watched in a long time. I cried, I laughed, I smiled, I rolled my eyes and cringed. It was amazing! The description makes it seem boring and cheesy and I wont lie. It is a bit cheesy but that is what made it so amazing to me. The son's cringy rap, the overwhelmed Mom, the awkward dynamic between Flora and her ex. So many relatable scenes.

There are a few scenes I sobbed over and the end was just a really beautiful scene.

A great movie and I personally enjoyed the music(Even the cringy rap).

John Carney who brought us the excellent Sing Street (2016) and the lovely Once (2007,) gives us another cracking musically centred tale around single mother Flora and her teenage son Max. Eve Hewson is fabulous as Flora and young Oren Kinlan is perfect as Max. There's also a lovely performance from Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Jeff, Flora's guitar teacher. There's elements of whimsy, romance, social realism, comedy and eclectic music thrown in along the way. Whilst some of the plot towards the end seems a little far fetched overall this is an enjoyable and life affirming film that deserves a wide audience.