Starring Golden Globe Award winner and Academy Award® nominee Kate Hudson, Grammy Award-winning Leslie Odom Jr and dance prodigy Maddie Ziegler and directed by nine-time Grammy nominee Sia, ‘MUSIC’ is set to be one of the biggest musicals of 2021. However, with the current impact Covid-19 has had on the global film industry, the film is set to make its debut on streaming services worldwide – and South Africans will get the chance to rent the film on DStv’s popular Box Office service from 12 February.
The story begins when Zu (Kate Hudson), estranged from her family and a lifelong self-saboteur, finds herself the sole guardian of Music (Maddie Ziegler), her teenage half-sister, after the death of their grandmother. Music is nonverbal and on the autism spectrum, and her grandmother has lovingly created a schedule and daily routine to support her with the help of some neighborhood friends.
Not having had her grandmother’s experience of loving and caring for Music, Zu instantly struggles with her new responsibility as caretaker. Their less than peaceful first breakfast together is overheard by their neighbor Ebo (Odom), a kind and gentle soul who surprises Zu by demonstrating not only his compassion, but his keen understanding of Music. His own, slowly revealed life story, makes him someone Zu can depend on and learn from as well.
‘MUSIC’ combines a heartfelt tale about the power of love with musical sequences that propel and amplify the story, giving the audience a vivid window into the characters’ inner lives. Additionally, the film features ten musical numbers built around original Sia compositions written expressly for the film and performed by its remarkable cast.
The film was met with some controversy when Sia cast Maddie as a character with autism rather than an actor on the spectrum.. However, Sia admits that she couldn’t have made this film without her. “I realized it wasn’t ableism — I mean, it is ableism, I guess, as well — but it’s actually nepotism, because I can’t do a project without her, I don’t want to. I wouldn’t make art if it didn’t include her,” said Sia.
“Deeply felt, MUSIC is a bold and compelling reinvention of the screen musical and a moving story of how individuals struggle and then come together and create community” said Benjamin Cowley, CEO Gravel Road Distribution Group. “The film is uplifting, light and soulful at the same time” he added.
Watch the trailer for ‘MUSIC’ below and read more television and movie news here:
