Bonus Track delivers a heartfelt, humorous coming-of-age story that will have you grinning by the end.
Director: Julia Jackman
Genre: Comedy, Music, Coming of Age
Run Time: 98′
US Release: October 11, 2024
UK Release: June 1, 2024
Where to watch: in select theaters (US); on Sky and Now (UK)
Bonus Track takes place in 2006 and centers on George (Joe Anders), a sixteen-year-old navigating the difficult road of social and academic failure in a small town. George, who’s certain of his own talent even though no one else seems to share that belief, dreams of becoming a famous musician. His world shifts when Max (Samuel Small), the son of a mega-famous musical duo, arrives at his school and takes an interest in George’s music.
Their budding friendship both excites and confuses George, leading him to question not just his music career, but his own evolving feelings toward Max. The film, directed by Julia Jackman with a screenplay by Max Gilbert, explores themes of self-discovery, identity, and teenage relationships with heart and sincerity.
One of Bonus Track’s standout qualities is its lighthearted yet sincere tone. The screenplay is funny, with charming moments that capture the awkwardness and confusion of teenage life. The humor feels natural, not forced, and the characters are portrayed with warmth and authenticity. It’s clear that a lot of love went into the film, and that affection is evident in the way it embraces its characters and story.
I found the character of George particularly relatable. His struggles in school, feeling misunderstood and overlooked, mirrored many of my own experiences. His passion for music serves as an escape, and while he’s sure of his talent, the film portrays the frustration of not being seen or valued for what he knows he can offer. Joe Anders’ performance captures that vulnerability beautifully, giving George an emotional depth.
Max provides an interesting contrast. Coming from a privileged background, he’s drawn to George’s music and personality, but the reason behind their bond isn’t fully developed at first. Their friendship, which sparks from a brief interaction in the school cafeteria, feels rushed and lacks the natural buildup you’d expect from an emotionally driven narrative. While they also share a brief moment in music class, the film doesn’t do enough to establish their dynamic. This leaves the early stages of their relationship feeling a bit forced, as though the movie were trying to fast-track the bond instead of letting it develop organically. That said, as the story progresses, their connection grows, and by the film’s second half, the chemistry between the two actors feels much more authentic.
Despite its strengths, Bonus Track struggles with predictability. It follows familiar coming-of-age tropes: a lonely kid finds solace in music, meets someone who helps bring him out of his shell, and ultimately experiences personal growth. While it’s charming and heartfelt, the film doesn’t break new ground within the genre. It reminded me a lot of Sing Street, another movie that treads similar territory by using music as an outlet for self-discovery and teenage rebellion. Sing Street brought a unique energy and fresh style to its narrative; Bonus Track tries the same approach, but its reliance on well-worn story beats makes it feel somewhat forgettable.
Overall, Bonus Track is a sweet, heartfelt film that succeeds as an engaging, if predictable, movie about teenage self-discovery. Its humor, relatable characters, and genuine emotional moments make it a charming watch, even if it doesn’t stand out in the crowded space of coming-of-age queer movies. While it may not push boundaries, its sincerity and warmth will resonate with viewers looking for a comforting, feel-good story about friendship, love, and finding your voice.
Bonus Track will be released in select US theaters on October 11, 2024. In the UK, the film is now available to watch on Sky and Now.
