YouTube stars are making the giant leap to feature films, and some are actually good. It’s not entirely new to see a familiar face pop up in ensemble casts sometimes. Still, one must undoubtedly be skilled enough to go behind the camera and produce a project for a major studio or streaming service. Enter Rudy Mancuso, who plays a version of himself in Prime Video’s musical rom-com, Música. A young man inflicted by synesthesia is caught in the tight grips of coming of age, torn between his heart, responsibility to his mother, and finding his way through life.
Mancuso, who co-writes and directs, dives into the cinematic world with a delightful romantic comedy. Música greatly understands the long-standing genre and Mancuso develops a charming onscreen romance with Riverdale’s Camila Mendes (one that developed off-screen, too). Mendes has just come off of another Prime Video rom-com with Upgraded, and proves once again how well-suited she is to the genre and could very well be on her way to becoming a rom-com queen. Her chemistry with Mancuso is palpable, and her character is endearing, albeit cliché. The film wouldn’t succeed if they weren’t on the same page; luckily, they are.
The film has all the rom-com conventions that make sense for this project: The overbearing mother, a love interest who just wants the lead to try harder, a too-cool-for-school girl who accepts him wholeheartedly (but, for some messed up reason, that is not enough for Rudy to make the right choice), a messy love triangle, a friendship with a funny comedian (J.B. Smoove), and of course, a lead who needs to get their life together before they entertain a love triangle. Mancuso uses the rom-com structure to tell a deeply moving and exciting story beyond what exists on the surface.
Rudy is Brazilian-American, so Mancuso infuses his movie with a deep appreciation for his culture and the liveliness of Brazilian music. He also goes further by tapping into the nuanced effect of culture on Rudy’s relationships, as his girlfriend comes from a suburban white family, which has its own set of obstacles for the relationship. Mendes’ Isabella shares his background, and Mancuso illustrates how healing and comforting it is to have strong common ground. Mancuso also doesn’t pit the audience against Rudy’s mother, and there is a respectful poking fun at the archetypal mother figure that exists in every culture.
There is also the synesthesia, which affects Rudy’s life in ways that Francesca Reale’s Hayley and his mother (Maria Mancuso) cannot comprehend because they are not in his shoes. However, this aspect of the story leads Mancuso to incorporate musical elements that work with his coming-of-age story. Música is refreshing in that way. It’s not a typical musical where people break into song and dance to express their feelings. Mancuso invites us into Rudy’s head, allowing us to experience synesthesia in an authentic way. He isn’t walking around his neighborhood as it turns into In The Heights in his head.
His approach feels more natural, although it is a touch exaggerated for our sake. However, how the music in Rudy’s head is explored throughout the film is seamless; it’s done in a way that doesn’t make Rudy feel like an isolated case. Although his condition is brought to life in a way only movie magic can do, Mancuso describes and shows us that we all live with this to varying degrees. Sound is often a key factor when we talk about the places we live and our communities.
The musical interludes are used sparingly and never outstay their welcome. That is partially because a story is developing as Rudy grapples with the next steps of his adult life. Música doesn’t linger, ending after a merciful 90 minutes, though another 10 minutes could have been shaved off without negatively impacting the film. Personally, the love triangle is a bit too much, since the same story could have effectively been told without Rudy juggling two or more girls. Because Mancuso attacks this story with great precision, the Haley side of the story could have been trimmed.
Nevertheless, Mancuso knows exactly how Música should look and feel and what the impression should be once the movie ends. Sometimes, musical films get lost in the novelty of singing or musical segments and lose the story thread. Mancuso’s rather militant approach not only allows the story and relationships to flourish meaningfully, but he also gives our protagonist an actual arc that is relatable and encouraging.
Música is full of heart and rhythm. It’ll surely endear many to Mancuso and Mendes (if they aren’t enamored with her already). Mancuso showcases an ability to have a firm vision and execute it with precision — a necessity for a directorial debut. Years of being an online personality is a plus for the YouTuber-turned-filmmaker, as Música isn’t just another film inspired by a creator’s life. Mancuso’s lived experiences with synesthesia and being Brazilian make the already vibrant film resonate strongly. From its compelling topic choice, a star-making lead role, stellar ensemble cast, and crafty execution, Música is a must-see.