1985. There’s a lot of wanderlust in Ireland. A young generation wants to leave. Home for Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Pello) means: his parent’s marriage falling apart, powerless participation in his older brother’s failed existence, and a degrading change of schools due to a tighter budget. Conor rebels in order escape the emotional downward spiral that seems to be taking over the whole country and to impress Raphina (Lucy Boynton). Cover songs are taboo for the quirky, motley band Sing Street: they are paving their path themselves. Love of all kind is the focus.
Aside from the new music he composed for the film, director John Carney (ONCE, CAN A SONG SAVE YOUR LIFE?) doesn’t change his tune much at all but he also doesn’t shy away from seriously examining the Ireland of his youth in his usual laid-back, charming tone. The relationship between brothers Conor and Brendan (Jack Reynor) is especially emotionally convincing. Fears about the future, the longing to escape, and love are the main themes of any coming of age film – but Carney makes his own coherent package out of it. SING STREET is a bittersweet homage to the time in your life filled with endless possibilities that quickly become overwhelming, an ode to being different while still being a hopeful appeal to never give up.

Hardy Zaubitzer (INDIEKINO MAGAZIN)

Translation: Elinor Lewy