Tick, Tick... Boom! Movie Review

The flourish of an on-stage musical has endlessly captivated audiences. Simultaneously, the potential for big screen renditions has advanced with La La Land and the recent West Side Story proving massively successful in recent years. Based on the stage play of the same name, Tick, Tick... Boom! creates what is easily the finest release of the year.

In 1990, musician and composer Jonathan Larson (Andrew Garfield) is about to turn 30. His love for musical theatre and putting his creativity to work hasn’t translated into success on Broadway. He starts to work on a passion project called Superbia alongside his close friends and colleagues. Through struggle and success, arguments and connection, we’re given a wide window into the playwright’s life, told through drama and song. As the film goes on, the cast creates some incredibly emotional moments that tie in closely with both events of the time and common problems many of us have had to deal with. Being a semi-biography, Jonathon serves a guiding direction for the story; we can relate to him, dreaming of delivering something special and sharing it with the world. Like any great genre classic, the film swaps between the two components effortlessly, never losing sight of the characters and their interactions. Larson also tells the story himself at several points, adding further charisma to an already enthralling tale.

Andrew Garfield takes full advantage of his theatrical experience to create a superb performance. You believe in Larson’s talents while also understanding how his dedication alienated those close to him. What’s most impressive is how Garfield alternates between multiple notes and tones with such skilled elegance. For the most part, he’s placed front and centre but also shares the screen with equally talented performers. Jonathan’s best friend Michael (Robin de Jesús) and girlfriend Susan (Alexandra Shipp) from the emotional backbone of the film; having been caught up in their own busy lives, their bonds with Larson are tested many times throughout the story. Other characters are wisely kept to the background, joining the protagonist in bringing his creation to the stage. They’re often used to represent the two halves of Jonathan’s life from bland board room executives to more promising music managers. Vanessa Hudgens, returning years after the High School Musical films, has a smaller role in the film but her singing abilities remain impeccable. Through it all, the chemistry between both singers and actors never loses its lustre.

While it’s based in the more run-down, dingy sections of New York, Tick, Tick... Boom! is shot and composed exquisitely. I love how the lighting changes so seamlessly to match the mood of the characters; the colour contrast of Jonathan’s mundane side placed against his bright and optimistic imagination is masterfully executed. One scene involving a stressful diner is transformed into a glistening exterior that incorporates many clever transitions. Sets and costume work both flow into each scene, but this is a case where they transcend the nineties setting and grow fully in tune with the characters and their aspirations. The one feature that stands above all the rest is the music; this is a brilliant set list that conveys delight, frustration, heartbreak and reflection in equal measure. Full orchestral, solo and duet performances all unfold in perfect unison with the camerawork swinging between the actors at a great pace. At other points, the musical sequences are intercut with Jonathon’s trickier moments which generates a highly engaging pace. By blending the soundtrack with an array of cinematic techniques, Tick, Tick... Boom! stands alongside the very best of its genre.

Sublime performances, an excellent score and stunning cinematography; Tick, Tick, Boom is fantastic on every level. It transplants the life and works of Jonathan Larson into a splendid display of theatrical bliss; you’ll be uplifted, thrilled and moved in equal measure. See it if you haven’t already.

Rating: 5/5 Stars (Exceptional)