Song Sung Blue Review: Music Heals

Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson shine in Song Sung Blue, a heartfelt musical biopic about love, loss, and the power of song.

The film opens with Mike (Hugh Jackman, of Deadpool & Wolverine) standing in an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, strumming his guitar as he introduces himself to the group. When he softly begins singing “Song Sung Blue,” it feels like a man trying to reclaim a piece of himself. From there, we follow him as he reluctantly prepares for a gig he no longer wants to do, insisting on performing as his own creation, “Lightning,” rather than as a Don Ho impersonator. It’s during this show that he meets Claire (Kate Hudson, of Shell), who performs as Patsy Cline. Their chemistry is instantaneous, both musically and emotionally, and their duet feels like the film’s first spark of magic.

Once Mike and Claire form “Lightning and Thunder,” the movie truly hits its stride. Their stage performances are a joy to watch; Brewer captures the thrill of performing in front of a small but devoted crowd, the way two voices can merge into something greater than the sum of their parts. Jackman and Hudson are incredible together, not just as actors but as singers. Their rendition of “Sweet Caroline” is an absolute highlight, filled with warmth and energy that feels genuine rather than performative. It’s the kind of moment that reminds you why people fall in love with music in the first place.

But Song Sung Blue isn’t just about the high notes. Midway through, tragedy strikes with Claire, and it changes the mood of the entire movie. Hudson’s portrayal of Claire’s recovery is moving and, in my opinion, easily her best performance in a long time: she gives Claire a lot of soul and heart, playing her with strength and vulnerability with equal grace. Meanwhile, Jackman imbues Mike with a quiet sadness as his own demons begin to resurface. While watching the film, you want to see this couple succeed, as their positive energy and love for Neil Diamond becomes infectious. The movie also explores the couple’s decline without sensationalism, showing how love and hope can coexist with pain and disappointment.

Still, while the emotional core of Song Sung Blue is strong, the film’s pacing falters. At over two hours, it begins to feel stretched particularly in the later sections. Some scenes feel a bit too long, repeating emotional beats we’ve already felt but at the same time it makes sense to show the recovery and seeing these characters overcome their pain. Brewer’s direction is tender but occasionally indulgent, as though he were too in love with his subjects to know when to let go. A tighter edit could have made the story hit even harder.

Even so, the film’s sincerity wins you over. There’s a real affection here for its characters and for the power of music itself; how it can connect people, heal wounds, and keep memories alive. Song Sung Blue may not reinvent the musical biopic, but it’s incredibly sincere and cheesy and it knows it. It’s a love letter to two people who found joy in performing and found each other through song.

Song Sung Blue had its World Premiere at AFI Fest on October 26, 2025. The movie will be released in US theatres on December 25, 2025 and in UK cinemas on January 1, 2026.