Directed by Julia Jackman and written by Mike Gilbert, based on a story by Josh O’Connor, George, a 16-year-old who believes he is a future star musician, can’t believe his luck when the son of a famous duo takes an interest in his music. This new arrival helps him rehearse for a talent show and leads both boys to learn from each other and grow closer. Starring: Joe Anders, Samuel Paul Small, Susan Wokoma, Alison Sudol, Jack Davenport, Ellie Kendrick, Josh O’Connor, Ray Panthaki and Elle McCloskey.
When it comes to romance, especially teen romance, what you get out of the film is a lot to do with what you want to get out of it. If you’re looking for something complex and fast-paced, then you’ll be disappointed but if you simply want a sweet, simple tale, then you’re on the right path. That’s exactly what Bonus Track is, it’s cute and naïve, it’s not really concerned with the larger issues at play, it simply creates a very youthful, gentle story of first love. In that sense, it feels like this is one made for younger viewers, it may not have a lot to offer a wider audience.
It can be overly optimistic in someways and oblivious in others, skipping over the wild ethical territory that comes with having paparazzi following a teenaged boy and glossing over the experience of coming out in the 2000s. It tends to take a rosier lens than would be realistic, veering more towards attitudes of today than twenty years ago. It’s a good thing to not repetitively go over that bullying, homophobic ground but it also defeats the purpose of needing to set it in that era. It feels elbowed into the period, especially in how it throws in as many hit 2000s songs as it can think of, even when they’re not matched to the tone and flow of the scene.
The directorial style is also very simple, Julia Jackman doesn’t inject a great deal of personality or energy into the way that Bonus Track moves. It’s playing things safe and by the book, which is a shame. It feels like a slight step backwards to return to these closeted teen romances, as sweet as it may be. It’s fairly cheesy and a touch tedious, while the setup leaves you hoping for something along the lines of a queer Sing Street, that’s not what we end up with. It’s missing a bigger sense of humour or individual personality to set it apart.
Although, that’s no comment on the quality of the performances as it’s a great cast and they bring a lot of sincerity to the table. Joe Anders and Samuel Paul Small are an adorable duo, Anders strongly taps into social awkwardness and identity issues while Small creates possibly one of the most humbly confident teen characters ever. Alison Sudol and Jack Davenport are wonderful as George’s (Anders) parents, throwing their own awkwardness and marital issues into the mix.
The surprise here, and yet not a surprise as she’s a wonderful actress, is Susan Wokoma as the endearingly empathetic Andi. She’s the type of teacher that any queer student would be blessed to have taking an interest in their lives. Wokoma brings a huge amount of kindness and compassion to the table, and thankfully the writing also gives her a chance to round out her character and provide some background which is definitely appreciated.
Bonus Track is a sweet teen romance with an excellent cast, Joe Anders and Samuel Paul Small make for a charmingly cute duo. This simply feels like one for younger viewers, it’s playing things quite simple and moving at a gradual pace. The style is solid but it’s staying within a safe realm, not taking chances or throwing in many quirks or unusual charm, which feels like a missed opportunity. The era setting feels slightly forced and moving things into the past doesn’t feel like the strongest choice. There was the potential for something more fun but it’s purely solid.
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