Review of ‘The Brink Of’: A man-woman pop music duo strive well to play it by ear
Two high school friends pursue their talent for writing and performing songs together while dealing with the romantic problems that arise in the process.
Review of ‘The Brink Of’: A man-woman pop music duo strive well to play it by ear
Cast: Nicolette Norgaard, Tim Hoffmann, Mina Tobias, Olivia Crowell, Athena Demos, Sionne Elise, Max Havas, Cole Heramb, Daniel Kim, Amber Li, James Olivas, Mark Parsons, Sara Silva, Yael Tygiel
Critic’s Rating: 3.5 Stars out of 5
Director: Patrick Meaney
Duration: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Genre: Drama, Musical
Language: English
Release: 2024
What’s it about?
Two high school friends pursue their talent for writing and performing songs together while dealing with the romantic problems that arise in the process.
Review:
In an era where the film musical is not a prominent genre, along comes this engaging little movie about an aspiring pop duo. Will ego trump talent and can uncertainty about success overshadow true love? Here is a compelling anatomy of a relationship between two young adults and the roles that singing and song-writing play in it. This film bravely attempts to set apart superficial romance from genuine devotion, punctuating the ensuing drama with a handful of well-conceived original songs.
This melodic flick starts out with the performing twosome of Lena (Nicolette Norgaard) and James (Tim Hoffmann) whose imminent superstardom suffers a serious set back. We learn from their exchange with a radio jockey that this twist of fate occurred due to a mysterious tweet. It is this strange occurrence that draws the audience into the story of the duo’s path together. The narrative effectively alternates between two timelines in flashback: one, where they are high-school acquaintances, and the second, after they reluctantly reunite following the fateful Twitter missive.
During their early years they are nothing more than amicable music collaborators. James is impressed with Lena’s lyric-writing ability, while Lena is dazzled by James fronting a rock band. James’ girlfriend Lindsey (Sara Siva) wants to share the microphone with him and so persuades Lena to right a two-part number for them. However, the plan goes awry when it is clear that Lindsey can’t hold a note and James brings in the shy Lena to replace her. The substitute almost immediately blossoms into a charming vocalist and the perfect complement to James.
While the two start to make beautiful music together, as is evident in their first jointly-composed song ‘See You In My Dreams’, their relationship otherwise gets strained and complicated. While James can’t shrug off his attraction to Lindsey, Lena falls for the affectionate and kind Daniel (James Olivas). They also have to confront the dilemma whether to pursue college or devote all their time to gigging and going on the road. Even with their apparent potential, success is not guaranteed. Plus, will their creative differences take its toll? Will they change their tune?
On The Brink might be a little repetitive and predictable at times, but the interaction between the two leads seems natural and true. Indeed, Norgaard and Hoffmann appear to exemplify the oxy-moron - “conflicted chemistry” - in a way that’s easy to relate to and sympathise with. However, they are at their best while performing their charming numbers together, especially ‘Sunny’ and ‘I Follow You’. Like their songs, the movie hits most of the right notes although it doesn’t quite obtain classic status. Still, producer Patrick Meaney makes a pretty good debut as writer-director by orchestrating camera-work, dialogue, and of course, music fairly well. All in all, this romantic musical drama should strike a chord with most viewers while also strumming their heart strings.
