Irish director John Carney has once again struck a chord with his latest heartwarming film, “Flora and Son,” continuing his tradition of crafting feel-good, romantic tales intertwined with the magic of music. In the vein of his previous hits like “Once,” “Begin Again,” and “Sing Street,” Carney has woven a musical tapestry that will make your heart sing.
The story follows Flora (Eve Hewson), a determined single mom in Dublin, trying to keep her teenage son Max (Orén Kinlan) on the straight and narrow. When Flora decides to gift Max a guitar, she’s met with teenage resistance and angst. Max’s musical tastes lean more toward electronic, hip-hop, and pop, which couldn’t be further from strumming a guitar. Undeterred, Flora decides to pick up the guitar herself and enlists the help of an American teacher named Jeff (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) for virtual lessons over Zoom. As the music begins to play, Flora discovers not only her voice but also a kindred spirit in Jeff, and a newfound way to connect with her surly son.
Carney, both the writer and director of “Flora and Son,” masterfully utilizes music as a language to convey emotion and deepen character connections. What begins as a hesitant flirtation between Flora and Jeff soon blossoms into a heartwarming long-distance relationship, reminiscent of a beloved hit song. Carney brings these characters together through music, creating memorable moments where barriers of space and time dissolve, and tender, flirtatious exchanges ensue. It’s a delightful fantasy that unfolds like a recurring daydream.
While the performances are effortlessly charming, the soundtrack, unfortunately, takes a slightly discordant turn this time. The majority of compositions veer toward acoustic or a blend of electronic pop and rap, which doesn’t quite hit the same sweet notes as Carney’s previous masterpieces like “Once” or the ’80s homage “Sing Street.” However, it’s worth noting that the film’s standout moments overshadow this minor flaw.
Eve Hewson shines brilliantly as Flora, infusing her character with wild energy, defiance, and a genuine vulnerability that surfaces when she opens up to Jeff. Her journey from a party-loving wild child to a devoted mother is portrayed with heart and authenticity. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as Jeff, is the perfect long-distance crush—mysterious yet passionate about music, and his chemistry with Hewson is palpable.
Orén Kinlan delivers a powerful performance as Max, adding layers of complexity to the character, particularly during intense conflicts with Flora. The growth of the mother-son relationship over the course of the film is a heartwarming testament to the film’s themes of love, connection, and personal transformation.
While the film’s final musical number may not be its strongest point, “Flora and Son” remains a delightful comedy infused with palpable romance. It beautifully captures the growth of a mother and son as they find harmony through music and rediscover love in unexpected places. Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s performance shines brightly, both virtually and in person, making “Flora and Son” a must-watch for fans of heartwarming films that celebrate the power of music and love. Don’t miss this charming tune that will leave you humming with joy long after the credits roll.
