Name: tick, tick... BOOM!
Genre: Drama, Music
Released: 2021-11-11T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Andrew Garfield, Alexandra Shipp, Robin de Jesús, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Ben Levi Ross

The opening shot of Andrew Garfield‘s hands playing the piano sets the tone for Lin-Manuel Miranda’s tick, tick… BOOM!, a film that pulses with the urgency of an artist racing against time. Based on Jonathan Larson’s semi-autobiographical musical, this Netflix release dives into the pressure cooker of New York City’s theater scene in 1990, where Garfield’s Jon struggles to make his mark before turning 30.

Miranda’s direction is a love letter to Larson and the artistic community he championed. The film’s strongest moments lie in its musical numbers, where Garfield and Alexandra Shipp’s chemistry as Jon and Susan shines through both the lyrics and their performances. Garfield’s portrayal of Jon is raw and vulnerable, capturing the anxiety and self-doubt that plague a creative mind under pressure. His Oscar-nominated performance is grounded in authenticity, making Jon’s fear of failure palpable.

However, the film isn’t without its flaws. The structure occasionally feels uneven, with some scenes dragging due to exposition-heavy dialogue. The supporting cast, while talented, sometimes gets lost in the shadow of Garfield’s commanding presence. Robin de Jesús as Michael and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez as Carolyn deliver solid performances, but their characters could have used more depth to balance Jon’s central narrative.

The film’s exploration of themes like creative pressure, self-doubt, and the tension between artistic pursuit and personal relationships is timely and resonant. Yet, at times, it feels like Miranda is trying to cram too much into one story, diluting its impact. The pacing issues are most evident in the transitions between Jon’s introspective moments and the broader strokes of his life in New York.

Visually, tick, tick… BOOM! is a treat. The cinematography captures the grit and glamour of 1990s SoHo, with tight close-ups emphasizing the emotional weight of each scene. The sound design, particularly during the musical numbers, immerses the audience in Jon’s world, making his struggles feel immediate and visceral.

Ultimately, tick, tick… BOOM! is a film that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the ticking clock of ambition.