Música — Review

Resisting the temptation to take the more conventional route with his debut feature, Rudy Mancuso infuses so much passion and personality into MÚSICA, an imperfect musical rom-com that crackles with creativity. Mancuso places special emphasis on visual language, using dance numbers, animated sequences and puppetry to diversify his style, while also making full use of the camera for smart blocking and inventive transitions. Mancuso stars too and his lead performance is measured, but it’s what he’s able to bring behind the camera that allows him to stand out. There’s a kinetic flow to the film that imbues it with culture and life, and that culture feels especially prominent because of the Ironbound setting.

MÚSICA is most effective when it explores how Rudy (the character) experiences music. His mind converts ordinary activity into rhythm, and smart direction allows us to feel what he feels. Despite some boilerplate storytelling, MÚSICA works because it uses stylistic flourishes to round off the rougher edges. It’s also evocative of the mid-20s experience, with Rudy struggling to understand what he wants from life and where his priorities lie, particularly when it comes to his cultural responsibilities and his creative aspirations. Energetic, vulnerable and almost avant-garde, MÚSICA is a compelling coming-of-age romp—one that spotlights a multi-talented filmmaker as someone worth paying attention to.