John Carney's Begin Again is a unique and artfully written film that showcases how a chance encounter during life's darkest moment can create a miraculous sense of beauty and positivity in even the most unsuspecting of lives.
Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo star as Greta, a singer-songwriter in New York City, and Dan, a struggling record executive who hasn't found his grove since the turn of the century, respectively. Together the duo uncover the energy and inspiration that lies within a song, using lyrics and melody to channel an inner emotion that downright forces you to sit up and pay close attention.
Written and directed by John Carney, Begin Again was an almost immediate throwback to 2006's Once (a film also crafted by the famed filmmaker). The character driven story is presented with a steady, authentic pace, allowing the audience to embody themselves in the film. Carney takes careful consideration as each of his main personalities are given their proper introduction. Never does an actor appear out of place or made for fluff. Each holds a special purpose in regards to the central story arc, helping to push the film forward to its serene and raw conclusion.
The film, beginning with a strong vocal performance by Knightley, follows our two leads as they begin to realize that through each other's abilities, they can both escape the dark cloud that has settled over their heads. As they begin to build trust and understanding, they lean harder onto one another, ultimately looking for some level of salvation as they both rediscover the power of music.
While Knightley and Ruffalo did a stellar job in their respective roles, the film succeeds thanks to the work by the entire cast of enriching actors. Adam Levine shines as Greta's now famous ex-boyfriend Dave; Catherine Keener is impeccable as Dan's ex-wife Miriam, and Hailee Steinfeld finally hits it out of the park after her Oscar-nominated role in True Grit for her work as Dan and Miriam's daughter Violet. Together the cast fully immerses themselves into the story, bringing viewers with them as they begin to move forward with their lives.
What ultimately sets the film apart from the countless other coming-of-age stories is Carney's ability to use music as a critical character. Begin Again plays to its strengths, utilizing both the melody and the lyrics to help convey thoughts and emotions, but never fully relying on it to the point of losings its authentic feel. The blend is flawless, allowing viewers to get lost within the story and experience one of the summer's best films.
