Flora and Son

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (1/2 out of 5)

After watching Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová’s performances in Once, this visual journey was like discovering a new manner of musical storytelling that captured the soul. John Carney had a few works prior and was known more for being the bassist for The Frames than as a film director. Yet, he has gone on to create some of the best musically inspired films of this century with Once and Sing Street.

As the wirter/director remains in his beloved Dublin for this project, Flora and Son conveys a raw and personal side to his writing that differentiates this work from his previous films. Eve Hewson (Bridge of Spies) plays the title role of a single mother who struggles to connect with her teenage son, Max (Orén Kinlan), who is on the verge of being sent to juvenile hall due to his rebellious acts of petty theft. One day, she discovers a guitar in a rubbish skip and offers it to Max for his birthday. When he rejects the gift, Flora decides to try to learn how to play herself. This interest in music gives her a remarkable road to connecting with her son. It even opens the door for a long-distance relationship with her LA-based guitar instructor, Jeff (Joseph Gordon-Levitt).

This dysfunctional tale between a mother and her son differs from Carney’s previous works as it leans into the dramatic side more than the music. Not that there isn’t music to enjoy throughout this story, but the performances from Hewson, Kinlan, and Gordon-Levitt overshadow the music numbers. Eve Hewson brings depth to her role that draws in the viewer while simultaneously pushing them away. Her performance captures the inner turmoil that this young mother is experiencing as she wants to regain her lost youth and yearns for the love of her child synonymously. This is complemented by Orén Kinlan’s understated depiction of Max, who desperately wants to connect with his mother as he wrestles with his teenage angst.

All three prove they have the musical chops to carry this film off, and the collaborative nature of both relationships is reminiscent of Once. Yet, none of the songs have the appeal or heartwarming aspects of Carney’s previous works; instead, this production capitalises on the acting talents of the lead actors. The creative nature of filmmaking and the international manner of creating music gave this a modern twist that will connect with multi-generations. Still, where his other films caused audiences to search for their soundtracks, this film will get recognition for the work of these talented actors. The language and mature situations regulate this production to a discerning audience looking for an authentic depiction of the world.

Flora and Son taps into John Carney’s filmmaking side of his career, which shows his ability to get strong performances from his cast in this confronting and coarse side of life. The soundtrack may not have the appeal of his previous works. Still, the celebrated director continues to capture the beauty of music and its life-changing effect on humanity.

Reel Dialogue: The love of a mother

The love of a mother is undeniable within Flora and Max’s story. The powderkeg atmosphere this pair lived in was palpable, leading to moments where neither wanted the other person in their lives. Yet, they both realised that they needed one another, and the love between mother and son proved to be what they needed to save one another from themselves.

It may be challenging to consider, but one aspect we don’t know much about Jesus’ life is his mother's hardship through the first 30 years of his life. As a teenage mother who became unexpectedly pregnant before marriage in the era and religious culture, it would not have been easy. The community and her family would have ostracised Mary and her son throughout their lives. Yet, her love was shown to be undeniable as we can read through each of the biographies of Jesus. Like this film that depicts the love between a mother and her son, take some time today to engage with an actual account of the ultimate familial connection between Mary and her son.

Luke’s account of Jesus’ life is an excellent place to start.

If you would like to discuss more about the relationship between Mary and Jesus. Reach out to us at Third Space. We would love to chat about this and more.