It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley (2025) - 7/10

I’m a fan. Let’s make that clear. I’m predisposed to love this. The music, the lyrics, that voice, it’s a pleasure to immerse yourself in this world for nearly 2 hours. The story, Jeff Buckley’s story is told by peers, friends, family and Jeff, in a heady mix of archive and fresh footage. His mother Mary is deeply entwined in Jeff’s story and who he was, “Jeff and I raised each other” and features heavily as an obvious influence. Throw in Judy Garland, Nina Simone and Led Zeppelin… and a rocky relationship with his estranged father, Tim, all create, along with some teenage angst and reflection, the perfect melting pot into which Jeff’s alchemy can flourish. The New York art scene is a DIY haven for his playful soul, a spiritual person, a people person. Comfortable as clowning entertainer and fearless as an artist of true purity. It’s all here. It’s clear that everyone’s in awe as he’s emerging, but the pressure is coming. From a ruthless industry machine… and himself. That first record though. There are no words are there. It’s an overwhelming album, every listen an experience. Everyone loved it. Except a wider US audience who were as clueless as ever, but it’s undeniably the peak of his life. Regardless of the response. Jeff’s place in the world appears to always have been one surrounded with a deep sometimes hidden anxiety. He’s not designed for fame. Nice people seldom are and tragedy almost feels painfully inevitable. This though is a beautiful portrait of a captivating artist. Ultimately sad yes and some of it is really laid bare, it still cuts deep for those on screen, but It’s Never Over is a celebration of someone we lost too soon.

7/10