🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Kate Barker-Froyland
- Genre: Drama, Music, Romance
- Release year: 2014
- Runtime (length): 1h 26min
- IMDb rating: 5.8/10 (11K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 22%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Woman stalks her comatose brother’s favorite singer and, in a totally normal move, starts dating him.
🍿 Song One: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Franny’s Return
Franny, a PhD student studying anthropology, is working abroad when she receives a call that her brother, Henry, has been critically injured in an accident and is in a coma. Estranged from her family, she returns to New York City to be with her mother and brother, facing the guilt of their strained relationships.

Discovering Henry’s World
While trying to connect with her comatose brother, Franny explores Henry’s life as an aspiring musician. She visits his favorite local music spots and listens to the music he loved, hoping to find a way to reach him. Through his journal and music, she begins to understand and appreciate the world he was passionate about.

Meeting James Forester
Franny discovers that Henry idolized musician James Forester. She attends one of James’s concerts and later meets him, sharing Henry’s music with him. An unexpected relationship develops between Franny and James, set against the backdrop of Brooklyn’s indie music scene. They connect through their shared love for Henry and music, finding solace in each other’s company.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Franny (Anne Hathaway): Estranged from her family, Franny returns home and develops a relationship with her comatose brother’s favorite musician.
- James (Johnny Flynn): A talented musician who forms an unexpected connection with Franny while dealing with his own creative struggles.
- Henry (Ben Rosenfield): An aspiring musician who falls into a coma, prompting his sister to reconnect with him through his music.
- Karen (Mary Steenburgen): Franny’s mother, who seeks to mend her strained relationship with her daughter amidst a family crisis.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- James Forester: “You know when you have a feeling that you don’t want to fade away, but you don’t really know how to keep it?” – James expresses his fear of losing a special feeling, highlighting his insecurity as a musician.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $6,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $32,251
- Worldwide Gross: $408,918
💥 Song One Reviews
Personal Review
I went into ‘Song One’ expecting a heartwarming musical journey, but I was left feeling a bit underwhelmed. While the performances were decent, the plot felt predictable, and the music, while pleasant, wasn’t particularly memorable. I think the movie had the potential to be something really special, but it just didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I wanted to feel more of an emotional connection to the characters.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of indie music”
- “Viewers who enjoy character-driven dramas”
- “Those interested in stories about family relationships and grief”
- “Anne Hathaway fans”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Brief language”
- “Suggestive scene”
- “Themes of grief and loss”
Professional Reviews
- IMDb: “A pleasant if not especially memorable indie, ‘Song One’ would have slipped completely under the radar if not for Anne Hathaway. But the charm dispels, and what started as a haunting melody runs out of tone and tangibility, making the movie just falls behind extra-ordinary.
- IMDb: “‘Song One’ is a great bore. With Anne Hathaway and Johnny Flynn saying sorry for each other on numerous occasions. The pace is slow, and nothing happens in the film. Anne Hathaway is quite good in the film, but I’m quite surprised by Johnny Flynn’s portrayal of a very shy, bordering on socially awkward musician. Not only does his character appear lacking in confidence, he could not even hold eye contact with the person he’s talking to.
Audience Reactions
Quiet and honest with chemistry that worked, the movie will appeal to those viewers who are willing to be patient: The film’s heart is in the music, making that a focal point for many viewers.
Movie doesn’t hand you every emotion, you actually have to tap in and feel them for yourself.: Viewers felt that this movie gave off good warm feelings when credits rolled.
Overall Consensus: Mixed reviews. Some found the story beautiful and the music captivating, while others felt it was slow, predictable, and ultimately forgettable.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Scott Avett of The Avett Brothers auditioned for the role of James Forester. He read an emotional scene with Anne Hathaway and felt out of his league when she welled up with tears during the audition.”
- “The original songs used in the film were co-written by Jenny Lewis (of Rilo Kiley fame) and Jonathan Rice.”
🖥️ How to Watch Song One?
As of October 2024, “Song One” is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check these streaming services for current availability and pricing options to watch the movie.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Song One, you might like these similar films:
- Once (2007): Similar indie music-focused romance with original songs and a melancholic tone.
- Begin Again (2013): Features a female lead and a struggling musician who team up to create music in New York City.
- Open Hearts (2002): Deals with themes of tragedy, unconventional relationships, and emotional vulnerability after an accident.
🛒 Song One Related Products
- Song One [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]: Complete soundtrack featuring Jenny Lewis and Johnathan Rice, plus performances by Johnny Flynn. A perfect way to relive the movie’s musical moments.
- Johnny Flynn – Been Listening: One of Johnny Flynn’s most critically acclaimed studio albums. A great item for fans of his work in the movie.
- New York Cityscape Poster: High-quality poster capturing the essence of Brooklyn’s music scene. Perfect to remind movie scenes.
- Vintage Accordion: A stylish and functional instrument that captures the spirit of the musician portrayed in the film.
🎧 Soundtrack
Song One features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Bulb Went Black” – performed by Johnny Flynn
- “Afraid of Heights” – performed by Johnny Flynn & Anne Hathaway
- “Silver Song” – performed by Johnny Flynn
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
As of October 2024, you can rent or buy “Song One” on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Availability may vary by region.
“Song One” is about a young woman who returns home to New York when her brother is in a coma. She explores his life as a musician and forms a relationship with his favorite musician, James Forester.
The main actors in “Song One” are Anne Hathaway as Franny and Johnny Flynn as James Forester. Mary Steenburgen plays Franny’s mother, Karen, and Ben Rosenfield plays her brother, Henry.
🔥 Bonus Content
Song of Songs Summary: A Complete Animated Overview
Ever wondered about the deeper meaning behind the ‘Song of Songs’? This animated summary breaks it down in a way that’s super easy to understand. I found it surprisingly insightful and it gives you a whole new appreciation for the themes explored in ‘Song One’!
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