The Wasteland Reviewer

Song Sung Blue (2025) Written Review

We have seen it all from music biopics, haven’t we? This is one of the most stale and overdone genres of film around. Too many of them are so restricted to such a bland and tired formula of storytelling. But every so often, we can watch a bold film from a bold filmmaker who wants to capture something different. Whether it is technical, storytelling, and subject, there is still plenty of space to play around with music biopics. Some of the most famous artists have received some of the most ordinary retellings of their lives and careers. But sometimes it takes a smaller, under-appreciated artist to tell the biggest and most engaging stories. That is a great place to start with Craig Brewer’s latest film, Song Sung Blue. 

What is the story behind this new musically inclined biopic? One of the most interesting things that Song Sung Blue has going for it is that many might not even know that Lightning and Thunder were real. This is no biopic about Neil Diamond…this is about a loving duo dreaming of being Diamond interpreters. You have Lightning, an alcoholic who has been sober for 20 years with Vietnam trauma and cardiac issues. You have Thunder, a single mother who has dreams and inspiration that align with Lightning’s. Song Sung Blue is a charming story of two dreamers (flawed and empathetic) who find each other and build up their dream together. Their journey is not a fairy tale though…like you might expect. Brewer’s film does not shy away from the tragedy and darker twists of their life together. Auto accidents and lost limbs. The looming dread of a failing heart. There are certainly cliches sprinkled throughout the execution of their story and plenty of truncated elements for dramatic effect, but Song Sung Blue delivers a story with so much heart and soul that it would be heard to ignore the elements that make this a truly good film. 

How does Brewer navigate this rollercoaster ride of a story? This film has a lot of emotion and tones to juggle, and Brewer does a fine job. The first act of the film is generally fun and light (but navigates some heavier themes like sobriety with tact). One event is the true turning point of the film and shifts the journey to having a bit of a darker tone with some serious melancholy. But what is most important is that Brewer still conjures up the wide-eyed dreamer hope of Lightning and Thunder. This story might be filled with tragedy, but the hope always wins out, which is the core of this story. The film’s runtime does get over that two-hour milestone, but Brewer’s charming and energy-filled direction keeps the pacing up. There are some elements of the story that get a little rushed, but you are too engrossed to think about it too much. The biggest moments of the film come when the music is playing. The big energy of these musical sequences is so impactful and compelling. Brewer finds the magic whether they are performing on their biggest stage, at an Asian food restaurant, or in the garage. Dynamic camera work, intimate framing, and plenty of bombast makes these the highlight of the film. 

What really ties Song Sung Blue together? Brewer’s film boasts an excellent cast. Hugh Jackman is THE entertainer of his generation. He was the perfect actor to breathe life into Lightning, who wants nothing more in life but to entertain people alongside the love of his life. From his opening scene at his AA meeting, you feel charisma, showmanship, and presence. But you also see the darker elements of his journey have his anger shine through in moments as well as some big emotional moments. Jackman sells all the emotion like no other. His physicality is excellent as well with his stage performances and his cardiac episodes showing his full commitment. Even more impressive is the emotional depth and nuance that Kate Hudson navigates as Thunder. She is a bright-eyed and hopeful beauty who has plenty of charm. Her life is turned upside down though and she must navigate some horrific pain, suffering, and mental illness. There is one scene that sees her reality bent (directed impactfully by Brewer) where Hudson shines so brightly. The chemistry between Jackman and Hudson is palpable. You have some good performances from the children of these two dreamers with Ella Anderson standing out brightly as Thunder’s daughter who grows to love Lightning so deeply. Then you have a crew of great character actors who each get their moments to shine. Led by an extra entertaining Jim Belushi, you get some strong work from Michael Imperioli, Fisher Stevens, and Mustafa Shakir. 

Does this holiday season have another engaging hit full of music on its hands? It will be interesting to see if Song Sung Blue catches on like The Greatest Showman, but Jackman certainly shines ever brighter this time around. But Hudson shines even brighter than that with an award’s worthy turn. This is a moving and emotional journey with plenty of joy and sadness rolled into one. Those Diamond tracks will be swimming through your head and will make you think about this film for sure.