Film Review: Eve Hewson Shines Brightly in the Uplifting ‘Flora and Son’

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John Carney, the Irish director known for his cinematic contributions like “Once,” “Sing Street,” and “Begin Again,” brings another offering to the table that stays true to his mantra of “three chords and the truth.”

The transformative potential of music — if it weren’t somewhat factual, it would be hard to believe.

Carney’s most recent heartwarming film, “Flora and Son,” features Eve Hewson in the role of a working-class single mom in Dublin who starts learning to play the guitar. Initially, Flora procures a worn-out acoustic guitar from a waste bin to gift it to her troubled 14-year-old son, Max, portrayed by Orén Kinlan, albeit a day after his birthday. Max’s reaction is far from enthusiastic.

“So I’m supposed to become Ed (expletive) Sheeran now?” he retorts.

Their domestic life in a cramped apartment is anything but melodic. The conversations between them are often laced with acrimony and bitterness. Flora, who is introduced to us in a nightclub setting and regrets her choice of a one-night stand, is quite open about her lack of enthusiasm for motherhood. Max is on the verge of expulsion from school.

These issues appear to be larger than what a mere guitar could rectify. Nonetheless, Carney, who not only directs but also pens the screenplay, masterfully avoids overly sentimental tones, integrating just the right amount of humor.

Reflecting on her lamentable circumstances, Flora has an epiphany. “This can’t be the sum total of my life,” she asserts, akin to a compelling central character. She begins searching for online guitar tutorials and eventually settles on Jeff, portrayed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, a relaxed guitar teacher based in Southern California, to whom she is instantly attracted.

Their virtual guitar lessons via Zoom take on an intimate tone, sometimes made even more so by Carney transporting Jeff into Flora’s own kitchen in the film. Conversations vary from discussing James Blunt to Joni Mitchell. Jeff even shares an original song, which Flora candidly assesses before helping him refine it into a beautiful duet. (The songs in the film were written by Carney and Gary Clark.) Unseen but notable is the irony that Hewson, being the daughter of Bono, likely has an innate musical talent.

The film follows the gratifying formula of a well-crafted song, featuring verses, choruses, and bridges. Flora’s ex-husband, Ian, played by Jack Reynor, questions her dedication, but she demonstrates her proficiency in her newfound pastime, which leads to a rejuvenated relationship with her son.

While Hewson has previously excelled in television series like “The Knick” and “Bad Sisters,” her role in “Flora and Son” definitively establishes her as a force to be reckoned with in the film industry. Her portrayal, though reminiscent of roles we’ve seen before, is enlivened by her dynamic, charming performance, solidifying her as an undeniable star, regardless of her famous lineage.

Though “Flora and Son” might feel like a familiar refrain compared to Carney’s earlier successes, it is executed with sufficient emotional depth to leave even the most hardened skeptic humming along.

“Flora and Son” is an Apple TV+ release and has received an R rating from the Motion Picture Association for pervasive language, sexual references, and brief instances of drug use. The film has a runtime of 97 minutes and earns a rating of three out of four stars.

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• John Carney’s Filmography
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• Jack Reynor’s IMDB Profile
• Orén Kinlan’s IMDB Profile
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• Coming-of-Age Films
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• Apple TV+ Official Website
• Interview with Eve Hewson
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