Judy Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A woman sings in London, remembers she was Dorothy, and then… sings again, but sadly.

🍿 Judy: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Judy Arrives in London

The film opens with a glimpse into Judy Garland’s past as a child star, highlighting the pressures she faced. It quickly transitions to 1968 London, where Judy, struggling financially and fighting for custody of her children, arrives to perform a series of concerts at the Talk of the Town. Despite her personal turmoil, she’s determined to deliver stellar performances.

Struggles and Triumphs On and Off Stage

Judy’s time in London is marked by both dazzling performances and personal struggles. She battles addiction, anxiety, and exhaustion, often arriving late or being unable to perform. Yet, when she manages to take the stage, her raw talent and connection with the audience shine through, reminding everyone of her legendary status.

Finding Love and a Fleeting Sense of Stability

During her time in London, Judy meets and quickly marries Mickey Deans. This relationship provides her with a brief period of happiness and stability. However, their relationship is tumultuous, fraught with his own ambitions and her ongoing struggles.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Judy Garland (Renée Zellweger): A talented but troubled performer struggling with addiction and personal demons as she attempts a comeback in London.
• Rosalyn Wilder (Jessie Buckley): Judy’s dedicated but overwhelmed assistant in London, trying to manage the star’s erratic behavior and schedule.
• Mickey Deans (Finn Wittrock): Judy’s charming but opportunistic fifth husband, whose presence exacerbates her instability.
• Sid Luft (Rufus Sewell): Judy’s ex-husband and father of her children, who provides a source of conflict and a reminder of her troubled past.
• Louis B. Mayer (Richard Cordery): The controlling and manipulative studio head who exploited young Judy, contributing to her lifelong struggles.
• Young Judy (Darci Shaw): A glimpse into Judy’s formative years, revealing the pressures and exploitation she faced as a child star.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Judy Garland: “You won’t forget me, will you? Promise you won’t.” – Judy says this to her children, highlighting her fear of being forgotten and her deep need for their love.
• Judy Garland: “How do you go on when you’ve run out of dreams?” – Reflects Judy’s exhaustion and disillusionment with her career and personal life.
• Judy Garland: “I’m Judy Garland, and I’m still here.” – A defiant statement, showcasing Judy’s resilience and determination to keep performing despite her struggles.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $24,313,888
• Worldwide Gross: $45,987,812

💥 Judy Reviews

Personal Review

I went into this movie expecting a decent biopic, but I was blown away. Renée Zellweger *became* Judy Garland. It’s not just an impersonation; she captured the soul of a woman battling her demons. The scenes with her children were heartbreaking, and the final performance of ‘Over the Rainbow’ left me in tears. It’s a must-see for any Garland fan.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Judy Garland”
  • “Biographical drama enthusiasts”
  • “Those interested in Hollywood history”
  • “Viewers who appreciate strong performances”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Substance abuse”
  • “Mental health struggles”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Brief strong language”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “Zellweger embodies Garland with a raw vulnerability, capturing the essence of a performer perpetually trapped between adoration and despair. The film delicately balances Garland’s personal struggles with her undeniable talent, offering a poignant glimpse into the sacrifices behind the spotlight.
• Variety: “Renée Zellweger’s performance is nothing short of transformative, breathing life into Judy Garland with breathtaking authenticity. While the film focuses on a specific period, it effectively conveys the immense pressure and exploitation Garland endured throughout her career. An emotional journey.
• Hollywood Reporter: “Judy offers a bittersweet portrayal of a legend’s final chapter. While the narrative occasionally falters, Zellweger’s captivating performance elevates the film, showcasing Garland’s resilience and vulnerability. The supporting cast complements Zellweger’s performance creating a powerful emotional experience.

Audience Reactions

Renee Zellweger’s performance is phenomenal!: Most viewers agree that Renee Zellweger’s performance is the heart and soul of the movie.

The film is a touching tribute to Judy Garland’s life and legacy.: Many praise the film for being an emotional and respectful portrayal of Judy Garland.

Overall Consensus: Judy is a moving and powerful biopic, primarily driven by Renée Zellweger’s outstanding performance, offering a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of Judy Garland’s life.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Actress)- 2020
2. Golden Globe Award (Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama)- 2020
3. BAFTA Award (Best Leading Actress)- 2020

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Renée Zellweger wore extensive prosthetics and dental pieces to more closely resemble Judy Garland, spending hours in makeup each day.”
• “The film is based on the stage play ‘End of the Rainbow’ by Peter Quilter, which focuses on the same period in Judy Garland’s life.”
• “To prepare for the role, Renée Zellweger studied hours of archival footage of Judy Garland performing and giving interviews, aiming to capture her mannerisms and vocal style.”
• “The film’s soundtrack features Renée Zellweger performing many of Judy Garland’s iconic songs, recorded live on set to capture the raw emotion of the performances.”

🖥️ How to Watch Judy?

Judy is available to stream on platforms like Prime Video with a subscription or for purchase. You can also rent or buy it on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Judy, you might like these similar films:

• La Vie en Rose (2007): Biopic about another legendary singer (Edith Piaf) facing personal and professional struggles.
• Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014): Explores the pressures and psychological toll of fame on a performer.
• Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980): Classic musical biopic about a country singer’s rise to fame and personal challenges.
• Respect (2021): A biographical musical drama based on the life of American singer Aretha Franklin.

🛒 Judy Related Products

• Judy Garland: The Complete Decca Masters (Plus): A comprehensive collection of Judy Garland’s Decca recordings. Perfect for serious fans of her music.
• The Wizard of Oz (75th Anniversary Edition): Commemorative edition of the classic film that launched Judy Garland’s career.
• Judy Garland: A Life in Pictures: A visual biography showcasing rare photographs and insights into Judy Garland’s career and personal life.
• Funko Pop! Movies: The Wizard of Oz – Dorothy: Funko Pop vinyl figure of Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz.

🎧 Soundtrack

Judy features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Over the Rainbow” – performed by Renée Zellweger
• “Get Happy” – performed by Renée Zellweger
• “Come Rain or Come Shine” – performed by Renée Zellweger

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Renée Zellweger Had Real Stage Fright as Judy Garland

Ever wonder what it takes to step into the shoes of a legend? Renée Zellweger talks about the challenges of portraying Judy Garland, and her struggles with stage fright are surprisingly relatable! It’s fascinating how she used makeup to capture Judy’s exhaustion.

Reneé Zellweger wins Best Actress | 92nd Oscars (2020)

Witness the unforgettable moment Renée Zellweger won the Oscar for her incredible portrayal of Judy Garland! This emotional win just proves how deeply she connected with the character – a must-see for any fan of the movie.

Renée Zellweger on playing Judy Garland

Want to dive deeper into Renée Zellweger’s experience playing Judy Garland? This CBS Sunday Morning interview is super insightful and explores her journey embodying the iconic performer – you’ll definitely appreciate her dedication even more after watching!

You Missed One Of The Best (And Most Haunting) Movies of 2019

Curious to hear a different perspective on ‘Judy’? This video makes a compelling argument for why it’s one of the most underrated and haunting films of 2019. I totally agree with the analysis – it really sticks with you!

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