Italian
The bittersweet symphony of ‘Dandelion’: A musical romance that sings to the soul
In the vast landscape of films and TV series, few manage to capture the raw essence of human aspiration and the often harsh reality of chasing dreams. “Dandelion,” the sophomore effort from writer-director Nicole Riegel, is one such gem. This evocative film, starring KiKi Layne and Thomas Doherty, delves into the impromptu romance and creative synergy between two musicians on the brink of giving up. The film’s visuals harmonize beautifully with the characters’ yearning to fulfill their lifelong dreams, creating a poignant narrative that resonates deeply.
A journey from background noise to center stage
Theresa, known by her stage name Dandelion, is portrayed by the talented KiKi Layne. Tired of singing in a Cincinnati hotel bar where she is merely background noise, Dandelion embarks on a journey to South Dakota for a competition that could change her life. Despite failing to land the gig, she meets Casey, played by Thomas Doherty, a Scottish musician in town to play with his old bandmates. Casey, the archetypal scruffy indie musician, is sensitive and charming but carries unresolved issues along with his guitar. Dandelion, on the other hand, grapples with the conflict of pursuing her dreams while caring for her ailing mother.
The film’s narrative is punctuated with moments that highlight the dire odds creative individuals face in making a living from their passion. Dandelion’s frustration with social media’s constant reminders that talent alone isn’t enough to break through in an oversaturated market is palpable. Casey’s confession about leaving his band for a more stable career and his friend’s decision to release an album online for free in hopes of gaining attention add layers of sobering honesty to the story.
A love story set against a backdrop of ethereal landscapes
As Dandelion decides to stay for a week and perform with Casey’s band, their nascent attraction quickly escalates into a torrid fling. The two travel on Casey’s motorcycle to the outskirts of town, seeking inspiration from the vast sky. Cinematographer Lauren Guiteras captures the ethereal beauty of the area’s rocky formations and the warm autumnal sunlight, creating sun-kissed frames that are visually stunning. One striking sequence features Dandelion in stark silhouette, adding a sensuous quality to the hues that grace the terrain and interact with the lovers.
While “Dandelion” may fall short of the Irish film “Once,” a comparable story about two struggling musicians who fall in love while creating music, Riegel’s actors ignite a convincing spark on screen. Doherty’s melancholic stare and Layne’s soulful interpretation of their compositions create a powerful connection. Their performances are not for an audience but for each other, sometimes as a duet and other times as if in a duel. Riegel’s casting choices captivate, even when the narrative ventures into emotionally contrived situations.
A soundtrack that captures the essence of fleeting love
The film’s soundtrack, composed largely by twin brothers Aaron and Bryce Dessner of The National, in collaboration with Layne, captures the spontaneity of Dandelion and Casey’s amorous liaison. While the tracks may not have the staying power of the Oscar-winning “Falling Slowly” from “Once” or Jessie Buckley’s “Glasgow” from “Wild Rose,” they reflect the characters’ perceptions of each other and Dandelion’s relationship with her hometown.
“Dandelion” steers away from an idyllic resolution, opting instead for drama that pushes the heroine towards self-reflection. Riegel addresses Dandelion’s experience as a Black woman in the folk rock genre, which is less welcoming to someone like her. Inspired by artists like Joy Oladokun and Tracy Chapman, Riegel communicates this glass ceiling through visual cues, such as photos of male performers in a guitar store, later juxtaposed with images of their female counterparts.
A thoughtful recognition of self-worth
Through a montage intercutting Dandelion’s recent heartbreak and foundational memories, Riegel asserts that Dandelion’s talent is not dependent on who accompanies her but on what is ingrained within her. This thoughtful, if unspoken, recognition of her own worth elevates “Dandelion” above the noise, making it a film that resonates long after the credits roll.
For those intrigued by this musical romance, you can watch the trailer and find more information about “Dandelion” at https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/dandelion. This film is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of music and love.
