Flora and Son is the latest music-centric film written and directed by John Carney, the Irishman known for his previous works like Once (2007), Begin Again (2013), and Sing Street (2016), all of which featured catchy original tunes. Carney’s films are known for their strong musical elements, and Flora and Son is no exception. The film is packed with a lineup of original songs that have caught the attention of the Hollywood Reporter and other industry insiders.
The emphasis on music in Flora and Son is evident from the decision to submit just two songs for consideration for the best original song Oscar nominations. This strategic move was aimed at increasing the chances of both songs making it to the shortlist of 15 songs and ultimately landing on the list of five nominees. The two submitted works are “Meet in the Middle” and “High Life,” both of which play vital roles in the film’s narrative.
“Meet in the Middle” is a song in which Flora, an Irish working-class single mom, and her guitar instructor Jeff, a struggling American musician, bond over via Zoom. On the other hand, “High Life” is performed publicly late in the film by Flora, her son, and others. Both songs were co-written by Carney, Gary Clark, and Eve Hewson, who is the daughter of U2’s Bono. Hewson, who also performs in the film, was involved in the creation of these songs, adding an authentic touch to the characters’ performances.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Carney emphasized the importance of creating songs that are specific to the film’s characters and their situations. He explained that in his films, the songs are not just an added element but are tightly woven into the fabric of the story and the characters’ lives.
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Carney’s process of creating music for his films involves a deep understanding of the characters and their voices. He encouraged the actors to contribute lines in character, which helped him to capture the essence of the characters in the songs. This approach adds depth and authenticity to the musical elements of the film, making the songs feel plausible and meaningful in the context of the characters’ lives.
Both “Meet in the Middle” and “High Life” are representative of Carney’s belief in creating musicals about real people. With his background as a musician, Carney brings a unique perspective to his films, drawing from his own experiences and the stories of the many musicians he has encountered throughout his life. He aims to create songs that resonate with authenticity and emotion, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people, which he finds just as fascinating as those of famous musicians.
The songs in Flora and Son are not just musical numbers but are integral to the characters and the story they are telling. They are crafted with care and attention to detail, reflecting the personalities and limitations of the characters who perform them. The final song, “High Life,” sung by Flora in the pub to her son, is a momentous and emotional scene that required a song that felt genuine and meaningful to both characters.
The visual and audio elements of the film are further enhanced by the performances of the actors, adding depth and emotion to the songs. The submission of these two songs for the best original song Oscar nominations highlights their significance in the film and the potential recognition they may receive for their artistic and emotional value.
The songs “Meet in the Middle” and “High Life” from Flora and Son are a testament to Carney’s dedication to capturing the authenticity of characters through music. By creating songs specific to the characters and their circumstances, Carney infuses the film with emotional depth and resonance, making the songs integral components of the storytelling. These original tunes are in contention for best original song Oscar nominations and exemplify the film’s strong musical presence.
