Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, left and Mark McKenna in "Sing Street."Director John Carney has a knack for tying music and film together in a way that unleashes emotions so powerful they penetrate right into the pits of our souls. He outdoes himself in Sing Street, a musical drama with so much heart it renews your faith that dreams can come true, if you are bold enough to take that step.
Irish teenager Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) takes that step when he approaches a pretty, older girl, Raphina (Lucy Boynton). When she gives him her number, he says he’s forming a band (even though he can’t play anything), just so he can get her to star in their music video.
Set in the ’80s when music videos were just becoming popular, it’s hilarious to see the band in their outlandish costumes and makeup, enthusiastically filming tacky music videos. This is creativity at its freest, and their spirit is infectious. Under the mentorship of Conor’s older brother Brendan (a brilliant Jack Reynor), you hear the band’s sound evolving from synth-pop to new wave, just as Conor tries to find his way as his life undergoes changes.
The actors are great; Walsh-Peelo is phenomenal, pulling off a wide range of intense internal emotions as his often blank-faced character goes through a tough period of life.
What makes Sing Street so endearing, though, is its inclusive spirit. Regardless of your skin colour, weird quirks, or murky past, you’re welcome into the band if you’ve got something to offer.