Sing Street is a movie that I found through Letterboxd since so many of my friends liked it. Sing Street is a 2016 Musical/Romance with a runtime of about 106 minutes. It’s directed by John Carney, who also composed the music and made the screenplay. The film is set in 1980s Dublin and follows a teenager named Conor (played by Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) as he starts a band to impress a girl (Raphina portrayed by Lucy Boynton) and escape the struggles of his family and school life. It’s full of heart, catchy songs, and nostalgic vibes that make it a standout coming-of-age story. 

I enjoyed the plot, but it felt a bit familiar—like something I’ve seen before. The cinematography didn’t stand out either, though I might be overly critical in that area. A24 has spoiled me with visually stunning films, and it’s hard to stay fully immersed in a storyline when the visuals don’t leave a lasting impression. Emphasis on stunning.

That said, the acting in this film was excellent. Ferdia Walsh-Peelo was particularly impressive. Being just 15 years old, he brought an authenticity to the role that made the story believable. I can’t stand it when twenty-somethings are cast as teenagers—it completely takes me out of the experience. Walsh-Peelo’s performance avoided that trap entirely. Lucy Boynton was also strong in her role. While her character lacked depth and development, she still managed to make the most of the material she was given. Also, the rest of the characters were severely underdeveloped. I wish that we got to see more of their emotions and motivations. However, Carney made it clear that this was Conor’s story and no one else's.

The film’s nods to classic ’80s bands like Duran Duran, A-ha, and The Cure were a real highlight for me. Having gone through a Cure phase myself, this movie resonated with my inner child. I loved watching Conor’s style evolve—his clothes, hair, and makeup transformed as he drew inspiration from different artists. The band’s journey mirrored this, with their looks and personas shifting to reflect their musical influences. One moment, they’re channeling Nick Rhodes; the next, they’re embracing Robert Smith’s emo vibe. It was such a clever way to weave pop music into the narrative.

Another standout was how Conor’s older brother guided him through discovering these bands. Their dynamic felt genuine and added depth to the story.

The original music score deserves special mention as well. Each song captured a piece of Conor’s life, turning his experiences into compelling mini-stories. “The Riddle of the Model,” focusing on his relationship with Raphina, stood out as a favorite. “Brown Shoes,” which tackled his struggles with the strict priest at his Catholic school, was another memorable track.

Was this the best film I’ve seen in 2024? Definitely not, Anora stole the spotlight on that one. However, Sing Street was still great.