Film Journal 2023: Flora and Son
Directed by John Carney
To say this is a charmer would be an understatement. It’s also one of Carny’s most mature films to date, which of course looks backwards to his break out hit Once. He’s a long ways from the very modest budget of that two person indie romance, with Flora and Son exhibiting a bigger story, more expansive camera work and a more polished edit. But the intimacy of its characters and their journey remains fully intact, this time delving into the subject of motherhood and womanhood with the grace of some broad and colorful brushstrokes.
It’s also unapologetically raw in its subject material and execution, which lends the polish a real world grit amist the Irish wit and charm. That might be worth a word of caution- this is a family drama filled with mature elements, and while I think that shouldn’t keep anyone away from this film it could catch some off guard, especially if you haven’t seen Sing Street and are simply going off the pedigree of his debut.
Loved the performances here, with some spot on casting and an honest to good chemistry between the mother and the three central figures that surround her. The way the film integrates the music is equally compelling, finding new ways to express a now familiar characteristic. Makes the wonderful finale fully earned with all its sentimentality on display.
The Stories of my Life 