Under Streetlights: A Captivating Journey of Friendship and Creativity

Telling a story about a creative journey isn’t as easy as it looks. There are plenty of dodgy biopics out there that play connect-the-dots between someone’s life and their art in a way that trivialises both; attempts to dig down into how art is actually made can struggle to dramatise what is often a very internal process.

First time writer-director Danielle Loy skilfully sidesteps most of those problems with this infectiously charming drama by focusing on the connection between two budding artists. They’ve both already found their voices; it’s when they sing together that the magic happens.

After her mother’s death, 18-year-old Ella (Madison Hull) is looking to make a connection. Wandering around the pub during the wake, she meets off-duty barman Izak (Jacob Harvey). He’s an aspiring hip-hop artist making music on his phone; when she hears a snippet of one of his tracks, the American-Australian – who’s a musician herself, though her work’s more melodic – is instantly hooked.

Wandering the dusty streets of Alice Springs, their art unites them, though it’s not just music they have in common. Ella’s father (Luke Scholes) is a cop losing himself in the bottle, while Izak’s dad (Leighton Mason) doesn’t mind a drink himself, as a way of forgetting the heights he’s fallen from since his days as a dancer in Paris.

Under Streetlights: A Story Well Told

There’s a power in doing the basics right. While there’s not a lot of surprises here – turns out their parents have a shared past of sorts that’s bound to cause problems, and both muso’s home lives aren’t exactly the kind that encourages them to stick around – this straightforward story is well told.

Each element is firmly established before moving onto the next, and even the big drama in the third act is kept to a plausible level. Some of the resolutions may seem a bit pat (long term troubles aren’t often solved quite so easily), but charitably they can be read as the characters taking a first step down a long road.

Likewise, the dialogue is occasionally a bit clunky, but the characters’ relative youth excuses some of it and the performances from the leads (both making their debut) carry the rest.

Under Streetlights: Ella and Izac

Ella’s the more energetic and driven one and Hull’s likable performance strikes just the right note. She’s running towards something with her music rather than using it as an escape; it doesn’t hurt that her singing’s strong enough to sell the idea that she actually could make a go of it.

Izak’s the more thoughtful one, his music more polished and layered. He’s the one who really does have something to escape from, but his art also links him back to his father. Harvey’s performance has more weight to it – he makes you feel he knows this is his one ticket out – but he’s still got enthusiasm when it counts.

Their music, both individually and together, lifts the film’s energy every time it’s played (both of the leads helped write the soundtrack). Nobody here’s bursting into song Wicked-style, but they carry their music with them and there’s a number of scenes where their songs – which address their various issues without being too on-the-nose – soundtrack their lives.

There’s a bit of romantic possibility early on (Harvey does an excellent job of reacting when he hears a song from Ella that might suggest her deeper feelings), but the pressures on them don’t leave much room for a Romeo and Juliet scenario. Which is to the film’s benefit: by focusing on their friendship, their creativity remains central.

By day the locations are solidly matter-of-fact, but cinematographer Andre Sawenko brings Alice Springs alive at night, finding some small magic in the carparks and quiet streets Ella and Izak wander down, playing music to each other.

It’s a sweetly powerful portrait of a budding friendship; luckily they both seem pretty good at this music thing.

Under Streetlights is in cinemas from 5 December.

Conclusion

Under Streetlights beautifully captures the essence of friendship and creativity, weaving a heartfelt story of two young artists finding solace and inspiration in each other’s music. With compelling performances and a well-told narrative, this film is a testament to the power of art to connect and heal.

FAQs

1. What is the main focus of Under Streetlights?

The film revolves around the budding friendship between two young artists, Ella and Izak, who find connection and inspiration through their music.

2. Who are the lead actors in Under Streetlights?

Madison Hull portrays Ella, while Jacob Harvey plays the role of Izak. Both actors deliver strong performances in their debut roles.

3. When is Under Streetlights releasing?

The movie is set to hit cinemas on 5th December, offering audiences a heartfelt and uplifting cinematic experience.

4. What sets Under Streetlights apart from other similar films?

Under Streetlights stands out for its authentic portrayal of friendship and the creative process, emphasizing the power of music to bridge emotional gaps.

5. How does the film explore the characters’ backgrounds?

The movie delves into the personal struggles of Ella and Izak, highlighting their familial challenges and how music serves as a form of expression and escape for them.

6. What role does music play in Under Streetlights?

Music serves as a central theme in the film, driving the characters’ emotional journeys and providing a meaningful connection between Ella and Izak.

7. How does the setting of Alice Springs contribute to the story?

The dusty streets of Alice Springs serve as a backdrop for the characters’ artistic exploration, with the nighttime scenes adding a touch of magic to their creative endeavors.

8. What can viewers expect from the performances of Madison Hull and Jacob Harvey?

Both actors deliver compelling performances that capture the essence of their characters, showcasing their musical talents and emotional depth.

9. Does Under Streetlights offer a unique take on friendship and creativity?

Yes, the film presents a refreshing perspective on how art can bring people together, offering a heartfelt portrayal of the transformative power of music.

10. How does Under Streetlights balance drama and authenticity?

The film strikes a delicate balance between dramatic storytelling and authentic character development, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences.

Tags

Cinerecap, Drama, Music, Friendship, Creativity