It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley: Film Review

It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley is a raw display of the singer’s talent, career, and the life struggles he faced before his untimely death.

That track was “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over,” and when I heard the lyrics, I felt frozen in time. As we sat in my friend’s driveway, listening to the song, Buckley’s voice completely consumed me. I was in awe of how his song evoked such a mix of beauty and sorrow. 

To this day, whenever I hear the track, that same feeling returns, demonstrating just how powerful music can be. Because of this experience many years ago, I wanted to learn more about Buckley’s background and the man who had left such a lasting impact on me when I was a teenager. With remarkable intimacy, director Amy Berg’s It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley does not disappoint, delving into the life and career of one of the greatest singers of our time.

At the beginning of the documentary, we are introduced to Jeff’s mother, Mary Guibert, who details her son’s younger years and upbringing. Mary was 17 when she fell pregnant, though at the time, Jeff’s father, Tim Buckley, was with someone else. Due to his relationship and his desire to be a successful musician, Tim was absent from his son’s life. When listening to Mary talk about Jeff, it’s clear how proud she is of her son and the special bond they shared. Mary even recounts Jeff asking her if they would be okay when he was a child, as it was just the two of them living together, which is extremely touching to witness. It’s clear that from a young age, Jeff was a sweet-natured soul who cared deeply about people’s feelings and well-being.

Years later, Mary saw an ad in the local paper for Tim’s upcoming musical show. She decided this could be a good opportunity for her son to finally meet his father and for the two to build a relationship. After taking Jeff to the show, Tim took his son for a few days so they could spend time together. Though when Tim had to get back on the road to continue his music career, he sent Jeff back to his mother on a bus. This was the only time the pair met. Jeff’s father, Tim, later passed away at the age of 28.

It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley sheds light on Jeff’s interest in music from an early age, with his stepfather Ron introducing him to Led Zeppelin, which the singer said changed his life. He began playing the guitar at a young age, and when he was invited to perform at a tribute concert for his father, Tim, people noticed just how talented he was as a musician.

After moving to New York, Jeff began working at an Irish coffee shop called Sin-é. When he had some downtime, he would take to the stage and capture the crowd’s attention. In fact, the singer brought a packed crowd to the small venue. After being recognized by Columbia Records, he signed with them in 1992. By 1994, his first and only album, “Grace,” was released, which was named one of the best albums of all time by NME, Pitchfork, and Rolling Stone, and later went platinum worldwide.

What’s clear from the documentary is just how cherished Jeff was by his family and friends, with each having held dear the memories they shared with the late singer over the years. The documentary includes interviews with Jeff’s former flames Rebecca Moore and Joan Wasser, who speak highly of him and tell the audience just how deeply he cared about women. We also see many other musicians, such as Chris Cornell and Alanis Morissette, express their deep respect and love for Jeff’s records and talent, as well as the lasting impression he made on the music industry.

Whether you’re a hardcore Jeff fan or simply someone who wants to learn more about the singer, what can be appreciated about this documentary is the vast amount of archived footage of Jeff’s earlier performances. From his rise to fame to his successful career as a popular artist, there’s plenty here to sink one’s teeth into. The documentary delves into the entirety of his life, offering a comprehensive look not only at the man behind the music and his upbringing, but also at his musical background prior to his signing.

It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley also doesn’t shy away from depicting the much darker side of the singer’s life as he struggled with the pressures of fame, his mental health, and being front and center in the spotlight. Jeff Buckley was just 30 when he passed away due to drowning, which is a devastating reality to bear. His talent was a pure gift to music, and it’s no wonder that he is still being discovered by younger generations today who also adore his music. He was one of a kind and will live on in our hearts forever.

It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley will be released in US theatres on August 8, 2025 and in UK & Irish cinemas on

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