In one sentence: Song Sung Blue follows a struggling performer who teams up with a fellow singer to form a Neil Diamond tribute act, as their partnership evolves into a love story shaped by ambition and hardship.

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Sometimes there are films you overlook because you assume they just won’t be for you. That was the case with Song Sung Blue. Without much familiarity with Neil Diamond’s music, it did not feel like something that would naturally appeal, but this assumption quickly proved wrong. What unfolds is a far more engaging and emotional story than expected.

The film follows Mike, known as Lightning (Hugh Jackman), a veteran turned performer who meets Clare (Kate Hudson) at a tribute night where she performs as Patsy Cline. She suggests he takes on Neil Diamond and together they form a duo, Lightning and Thunder. Their performances create an energy that audiences respond to and their connection begins to shape their relationship. As their bond deepens, the film explores the challenges they each carry and the impact those struggles have on their lives.

Music naturally plays a central role and the film makes great use of Neil Diamond’s catalogue, showing there is far more to it than the familiarity of Sweet Caroline. Even without knowing many of the songs, they feel well placed and work with the story rather than interrupting it. Both Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson perform their own vocals and they are excellent. Jackman is well suited to the role, balancing performance with a more grounded emotional presence, but Hudson is the real standout. Her voice is beautiful, but it is her emotional range that really impresses, showing a depth that goes beyond what she is typically known for. Her performance feels confident and layered and her Oscar nomination feels fully deserved. Together, they have a natural chemistry that makes their relationship easy to believe and invest in.

Despite the sequins and stage presence, the film itself is not glamorous. It focuses on ordinary lives and the effort it takes to pursue something creative. Much of it is shot with a darker muted tone, reflecting the reality of their day to day lives. This is contrasted with the warmth and brightness of their time on stage where they come alive. This contrast works well, showing both the highs and the more difficult moments that sit alongside them.

The tone of the film may not be what is expected. While the premise suggests something lighter, it leans more into drama, exploring loss, resilience and the complexities of family. Based on a true story, it highlights how people can come together and create something meaningful, even when circumstances are far from perfect. The relationships, particularly within the family dynamic, feel genuine and add to the emotional weight of the story.

Ultimately, Song Sung Blue finds its strength in the space between performance and reality. While the music brings energy, it is the quieter, more personal moments that give the film its impact. What might initially seem like a simple tribute story reveals itself to be something more layered, carried by two engaging performances and a story that feels both deeply honest and human.

★★★★ (4/5)