Danielle Loy’s feature film debut, Under Streetlights, transcends typical coming-of-age narratives; it's a vibrant, musically infused journey that breaks boundaries and forges connections, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience that resonates on multiple levels.
From the very first scene, the seamless transitions between moments captivate you, keeping the narrative flow visually dynamic and emotionally engaging. The use of color throughout adds emotional depth to each landscape, with Central Australia providing a rich backdrop. However, the true standout is the music. Each track is so well-executed that even viewers who aren’t typically musical fans will find themselves looking forward to each new song, as each number brings something fresh.
The heart of the story centers on Ella and Izak, two young individuals from vastly different backgrounds who form an unexpected connection through their shared passion for music and common experience of grief. Ella, an 18-year-old Australian-American, is coping with her mother’s death and a father struggling with alcoholism, while Izak, a 21-year-old Aboriginal hip-hop artist, is confronting his own identity struggles in a remote community. Their mutual loss sparks an unlikely friendship that transcends the barriers that separate their worlds.
Reminiscent of Richard Linklater, Loy’s direction is meticulous, employing a near-documentary style that enhances the film’s genuine feel. Madison Hull (Ella) and Jacob Harvey (Izak) offer such believable performances that they blur the line between fiction and reality. Their on-screen connection is further enriched by their musical synergy, seamlessly merging Ella’s smooth melodies with Izak’s gritty hip-hop. The evolving relationship between the characters is perfectly reflected in the film's captivating soundtrack.
Leighton Mason’s portrayal of Clifford is a true highlight of Under Streetlights. Despite being new to acting, he delivers a performance that is both compelling and authentic, bringing an understated warmth and depth to his role. His portrayal makes Clifford’s journey as engaging as the leads', and his natural ease adds a layer of authenticity that elevates the entire film, making him a standout among an already talented cast.
Under Streetlights draws natural comparisons to films like Once, where music plays a central role in deepening the emotional journey of its characters. However, rather than relying on folk music, Under Streetlights brings a fresh, modern twist by integrating a vibrant hip-hop soundtrack. This genre shift adds a raw, energetic pulse to the film, reflecting the cultural landscapes of its characters and making the music feel like an extension of their personal stories. The dynamic beats of hip-hop not only infuse the narrative with intensity but also highlight the unique blend of Ella’s melodic influences and Izak’s streetwise rhythm.
Much like Reservation Dogs, Under Streetlights thrives on its authentic portrayal of characters, creating a deeply immersive world. Even the supporting characters, no matter how brief their screen time, are fully realized and contribute to the richness of the film. Each role feels purposeful, adding layers of depth to the story and making the entire ensemble feel lived-in and relatable. These minor characters enhance the overall realism, turning the film into a tapestry of interconnected lives and experiences that ground the more intimate moments between Ella and Izak, making the world of Under Streetlights feel as dynamic and real as the music that drives it.
The true strength of Under Streetlights is its ability to portray unity in the face of shared struggles, weaving together a narrative that emphasizes universal human emotions like grief, aspiration, and identity. Despite the differences in background, culture, and life experiences, the film’s characters are bound by common emotional threads that everyone can relate to. Grief, in particular, becomes a central theme, not as an isolating force, but as something that bridges the gap between Ella and Izak. Their mutual loss becomes the foundation for a transformative connection, illustrating how pain can bring people together rather than push them apart. As they navigate their own struggles, the film explores how human resilience and the desire to heal are universal, transcending cultural and social boundaries.
Supporting characters like Ronnie and Samara play a critical role in maintaining this balance. While the core story is steeped in emotional weight, Ronnie and Samara inject much-needed levity, offering moments of humor that provide relief from the heavier themes. Their humor isn’t just for comic relief—it serves a larger purpose by highlighting the coexistence of joy and sorrow in our lives. These characters show that even in the darkest moments, there are pockets of laughter and light, underscoring the complexity of human emotion. Through their witty exchanges and playful interactions, the film reminds audiences that life’s hardships are often accompanied by moments of joy and that embracing both is essential to moving forward.
By blending these lighthearted moments with their deeper emotional beats, Under Streetlights creates a more holistic portrayal of the human experience. The film doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities its characters face, but it also emphasizes the importance of connection, hope, and laughter. In doing so, it not only tells a story of individual struggles but also reflects a broader message of unity and shared humanity, reminding us that no matter how different we may seem, we all experience the same range of emotions in our journey through life.
In a landscape filled with repetitive narratives, Under Streetlights stands out as a moving testament to resilience and the power of music. It not only entertains but also inspires, inviting us to see the shared humanity that connects us all.
Jessie Hobson