Bonus Track: Pleasing musical rom-com hits right note romantically but it’s light on comedy

Sky Cinema; UK cert 15

Joe Anders and Samuel Paul Small in Bonus Track. Photo: Bankside Films

Hilary White

John Carney, director of musical drama films Once and Sing Street, mightn’t be losing too much sleep, but this music-centred Brit rom-com from debutante director Julia Jackman has a gentle charm to it that just pulls it over the finishing line.

Written by man-of-the-­moment Josh O’Connor (who has a cameo role) and Mike Gilbert, it tells of George (Joe Anders), who is the epitome of teenage awkwardness. It’s 2006, and tinkering at music in his bedroom is the only thing he has any interest in applying himself to.

When the son (Samuel Paul Small) of a well-known popstar joins the class, George discovers not only a musical foil to help bring his work-in-progress to life ahead of the school talent show but also a budding romance.

The depiction of gay romance is one of light and sensitivity, and Jackman’s film deserves kudos for that.

Where it is found wanting is in the “com” end of rom-com. That side of things is almost exclusively the remit of George’s sweetly kooky mum and dad (Alison Sudol and Jack Davenport).

Don’t expect any deviation from formula, either as we’re clearly on course for the customary talent-show triumph in the finale.

Three stars