Song to Song Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Beautiful people in Austin swap partners more often than guitar picks, while mumbling about feelings nobody cares about.

🍿 Song to Song: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Faye and BV’s Budding Romance

Faye and BV, two aspiring musicians, connect amidst the vibrant Austin music scene. Their relationship is marked by a playful, almost whimsical dynamic. Both are searching for something real, a genuine connection in a world of superficiality. The initial stages of their romance are characterized by shared dreams and a sense of freedom.

The Allure of Cook

Enter Cook, a powerful and influential record producer. He represents success and opportunity, drawing Faye into a complicated dynamic. Cook’s presence creates a love triangle that tests the boundaries of Faye and BV’s relationship. The promise of fame and fortune becomes a significant factor, clouding their initial connection.

Infidelity and Shifting Alliances

As the story progresses, infidelity and betrayal become prominent themes. Faye navigates relationships with both BV and Cook, blurring the lines of loyalty. These shifting alliances lead to emotional turmoil and a questioning of what each character truly desires. The film explores the complexities of love, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness.

Other characters, other relationships

BV has a fling with Amanda (Cate Blanchett) who reminds him of his mother. Cook finds and marries Rhonda (Natalie Portman) only to turn to prostitutes afterwards because he is not happy. The film meanders from theme to theme and song to song in which Malick embraces the music scene in Austin in an eclectic soundtrack.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• BV (Ryan Gosling): A talented, up-and-coming musician navigating love and ambition in the Austin music scene.
• Faye (Rooney Mara): A young woman involved in intersecting love triangles while trying to find her place in the Austin music scene.
• Cook (Michael Fassbender): A charismatic and powerful record executive who complicates the relationships of BV and Faye.
• Rhonda (Natalie Portman): A waitress who becomes entangled with Cook, representing a search for stability amidst the chaos.
• Amanda (Cate Blanchett): An older woman who enters into a relationship with BV, offering a different kind of connection.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Faye: “We thought we could just roll and tumble, live from song to song, kiss to kiss.” – Faye reflects on the initial carefree and spontaneous nature of her relationships and life.
• Cook: “The world wants to be deceived.” – Cook expresses a cynical view on the entertainment industry and the public’s desire for illusion.
• Faye: “Any experience is better than no experience.” – Said as Faye begins experimenting with different relationships and experiences.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10 million
• Domestic Gross: $443,684
• Worldwide Gross: $1,813,453

💥 Song to Song Reviews

Personal Review

As a Malick fan, I went in expecting beauty and ambiguity, and ‘Song to Song’ delivered. The way he captures fleeting moments, the light on faces, the whispered thoughts – it all creates this dreamlike state. I was particularly struck by Rooney Mara’s performance, she expresses so much with just a glance. But it’s also frustrating; the plot is so thin it sometimes feels like you’re just watching pretty people wander around. The Patti Smith scene was really great. Ultimately, it’s a movie I appreciate more than love, but it definitely left an impression.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Terrence Malick’s filmmaking style”
  • “Viewers interested in experimental and visually driven films”
  • “Those who appreciate movies set against a music scene”
  • “People who enjoy character-driven narratives with complex relationships”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Nudity”
  • “Sexual Content”
  • “Drug Use”
  • “Infidelity”

Professional Reviews

• Variety Film + TV: “Malick’s signature style is on full display in ‘Song to Song,’ but the narrative meanders, making it a visually stunning yet emotionally detached experience. Gosling, Mara, and Fassbender deliver compelling performances, but the film ultimately feels like a collection of beautiful moments lacking overall cohesion.
• Comic Book Resources: “The movie is about music but it doesn’t use it in a way to push the story forward. This was like a cinematic Austin Architectural Digest showcase of homes, but less interesting

Audience Reactions

The stunning visuals and cinematography were breathtaking.: Many viewers praised the ethereal atmosphere and visual artistry.

The lack of a clear plot frustrated many viewers.: Some viewers found the film pretentious and difficult to follow.

Overall Consensus: Visually stunning but narratively weak, ‘Song to Song’ is a divisive film that appeals to fans of Terrence Malick’s style but may alienate those seeking a more traditional story.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “According to Ryan Gosling, there was no traditional script; the actors largely improvised their lines and actions based on general scenarios provided by Terrence Malick.”
• “The movie was filmed primarily in 2011 and 2012, but it underwent extensive post-production, including editing by multiple editors, and was not released until 2017.”
• “Terrence Malick utilized a guerilla filmmaking style, capturing footage at actual music festivals and concerts in Austin, Texas, integrating real-life performances into the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch Song to Song?

Song to Song is available for streaming on various platforms including Prime Video, and Apple TV. You can also rent or purchase the film on these platforms. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Song to Song, you might like these similar films:

• Knight of Cups (2015): Also directed by Terrence Malick, explores similar themes of love, existential searching, and the allure of fame and fortune, with a similarly unconventional narrative style.
• La La Land (2016): Explores the intersection of romance and ambition within the music industry, featuring aspiring artists navigating their careers and relationships in a vibrant city.
• Almost Famous (2000): Captures the energy and complexities of the music scene through the eyes of a young protagonist navigating love, fame, and self-discovery.

🛒 Song to Song Related Products

• Terrence Malick: Filmmaker and Philosopher: A thoughtful exploration of Malick’s cinematic style and philosophical themes, providing deeper insights into his work, especially considering the complexity of ‘Song to Song.’
• Austin, Texas Music Scene T-Shirt: Show your love for the vibrant music scene depicted in the film with this stylish shirt, featuring iconic Austin venues and musical symbols.
• La La Land [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]: Even though the movie had many music cameos, the songs were rarely heard. This way the music can live on in your mind.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Vision” – performed by Klaus Wiese
• “Tower of Strength” – performed by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
• “Get Free” – performed by The Vines

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Song To Song reviewed by Mark Kermode

Want to know if ‘Song to Song’ is worth your time? Mark Kermode, a seriously respected film critic, breaks down the movie in under 3 minutes. His reviews are always spot on, so give it a watch before you dive in!

✨ Rate