Queer coming-of-age dramas are all the rage, with the brilliant Heartstopper series leading the pack. Bonus Track, the directorial debut from Julia Jackman, continues in this vein, with a gentle, feel-good rom-com set in a school in Yorkshire, UK in 2006.
Sixteen-year-old George Bobbin (Joe Anders) lies on his bed listening to music and dreaming of stardom. Success seems far away though, for the awkward, under-performing, slightly geeky pupil. His sights are set on performing at the forthcoming School Leavers Talent show, rather than revising for his exams, which he’s likely to fail, much to the dismay of his anguished parents Julia (Alison Sudol) and Jeffrey (Jack Davenport).
George perks up when handsome new boy Max (Samuel Paul Small) joins his class. Max is the son of famous musicians The Marvins. They are in the process of divorcing and so are currently hot news items. This means that Max also generates interest wherever he goes. Max and George soon connect on their shared love of music and begin hanging out together in George’s bedroom to create music. The boys gradually become close and realise they have romantic feelings for each other. There are, however, other people vying for Max’s attention, including potential girlfriends as well as a sleezy paparazzo. Will George and Max be able to navigate the dramas in their path to happiness?
Bonus Track treads a fairly well-trodden rom-com path but it offers a talented cast and enduring British feel-good scenes. The film is innovatively split into chapters headlined with classic tracks from the 2000’s. These include gems from Franz Ferdinand, Wheatus, The Streets, Hot Chip and the original Superstar by Christine Milton. Olly Alexander provides additional musical input. Anders and Small, despite being very different characters, have a good chemistry together, and the supporting cast of teachers, fellow pupils and parents gel well. A hundred minutes of relaxed escapism from a stressy world that will appeal to its youthful target audience.
Queerguru’s Contributing Editor Ris Fatah is a successful fashion/luxury business consultant (when he can be bothered) who divides and wastes his time between London and Ibiza. He is a lover of all things queer, feminist, and human rights in general. @ris.fatah
Labels: 1960's, 2024, Bonus Track, British, Joe Anders, Julia Jackson, Rom com, Samuel Paul Smith
