Song Sung Blue is a heartwarming film as infectious as its music

Somehow, Song Sung Blue feels like more than a tribute to one of pop music’s icons. In a more meaningful way, it’s a tribute to those who love them..

Directed by Craig Brewer, Song Sung Blue tell the story of Mike and Claire (Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson), two down-on-their-luck musicians who bond over their love of Neil Diamond. Together, they form a tribute band called ‘Lightning and Thunder’ as they attempt to make their love of Diamond’s music as infectious to others as it is to them. Even though their relationship faces endless trials, their passionate drive for their dreams gives them life in a way that sustains them.

(L to R) Hugh Jackman as Mike Sardina and Kate Hudson as Claire Stengl in director Craig Brewer’s SONG SUNG BLUE, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features © 2025 All Rights Reserved.

One simply can’t deny the charm that is Song Sung Blue. Backed by delightful performances, Brewer helps highlight the Sardina family as people you genuinely care about. Using the music of Neil Diamond as the backbone of the film, the viewer becomes genuinely invested in its characters and their journey towards (moderate) success.

With that in mind, Song Sung has something going for it that other musical biopics usually do not. It’s not actually about the original musicians. This never pretends to be a film that gives us insight into the complex lives of Neil Diamond or Patsy Cline. Instead, it’s the story of two everyday people who are struggling with real issues in a real world. They aren’t mega stars. Mike and Claire play in bars and hope that they can find their next gig before the bills are due. Their passion for Diamond’s music is an expression of the way that their favourite musicians affected them… and that translates into their performance on stage.

In short, when they’re not on stage, they’re just like us.

(L to R) Hugh Jackman as Mike Sardina and Kate Hudson as Claire Stengl in director Craig Brewer’s SONG SUNG BLUE, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features. © 2025 All Rights Reserved.

And, frankly, that’s why the film works. We’re not left with a recipe of how songs like Sweet Caroline, I’m a Believer or the titular Song Sung Blue came to be. Instead, the film highlights the impact that popular tunes can have on the average person. Some may mock lyrics like ‘good times never felt so good’ but songs like that resonate because they provide something that breathes life into the audience. As a result, musical numbers feel like labours of love from those who want to offer tribute to the legacy of American musical classics. These songs matter to Mike and Claire so much that, even if you’re not a fan of Neil Diamond, they matter more to us as a result.

In this spirit, it’s almost beautiful the way that Diamond’s music helps elevate the spirits of the Sardina family. In the midst of (multiple) family traumas, it’s the ability to perform these tunes that helps stabilize them. There’s joy to be found for them with each musical number. As strange as it may sound at first, these are tunes that provide hope for their family, even when things get increasingly more difficult.

To Mike and Claire, these tunes are a form of the Gospel. And they need to be shared.

And things really get tough. In fact, were it not that this were a true story, one would wonder how many difficult circumstances could happen to one family. (Without giving spoilers, Song Sung Blue might have you reconsider gardening in the front yard.) Much credit must be given to delightfully strong performances by Hudson and Jackman. However, while Jackman’s singing voice has been well-documented, it’s Hudson who genuinely surprises. No, her voice doesn’t have the same force of will as her onscreen husband’s. Even so, there’s a genuine sweetness to her vocal work that is infectious.

What’s more, it’s Hudson who seems to hold the greater emotional weight to her performance as well. Amidst the immense challenges that Claire faces, Hudson keeps her character grounded with authenticity, even in her darkest moments. Known primarily for her comedic work, this is one of those roles that gives her the opportunity to show the type of range that she truly has as an actress. And she does so here beautifully.

While Song Sung Blue likely won’t end up on many ‘best of the year’ lists, it remains a delightful expression of human resilience and hope. Simply put, this is musical melodrama done right. And, just like the Sardinas themselves, it also deserves its applause.

Song Sung Blue is available in theatres on Thursday, December 25^th, 2025.