Disclaimer: I’m a blind film critic. Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose?

I just want to start this by saying… from the director of Black Snake Moan. Craig Brewer has certainly evolved, and there must have been something about the true story of Lightning and Thunder that made him want to translate their story to the big screen. For those unaware, this is based on a true story, one which was already featured in a documentary. It follows the unlikely pairing of a recovering alcoholic (Hugh Jackman) and a single mom (Kate Hudson) who meet by chance at an event where they are hired to be tribute performers for Don Ho and Patsy Cline. the problem is that Jackman’s Mike sees himself as an artist, and resents being reduced to covers. he especially is baffled at being asked to play someone he doesn’t resemble in the least. Hudson’s Claire has been floating for a short period of time as a Patsy Cline tribute artist, and knows the money can be very good if you can rise to the top.

Mike and Claire become friends as fast as they do become partners.Somewhere along the way, they fall in love, but this is really about two people making compromises to create an experience bigger than themselves. Mike realizes he has this love of Neil Diamond, and would never try to impersonate him, but wouldn’t mind bringing his music to a wider audience. So, they combine their acts into Lightning and thunder, an experience celebrating the music of Neil Diamond and Patsy Cline. They get married, life is going great. they even get a pretty cool offer to open for a major band from the 90’s. then…

And I debate whether or not to even discuss the “and then” part of the film, because Brewer does blindside you. For those who know this story, it won’t come as a surprise, but for those who do, the third act of the film packs an emotional punch. This is where Jackman, and definitely Hudson, are offered more serious material to work with, and the gravitas of what is happening to them, or happened, takes over. This is where Mike, a man struggling to maintain sobriety, seems on the edge of losing his hard fought work, and where Claire seems close to losing herself, and her connection to those around her.

I sympathized with her characters trajectory, and while some critics have laughed off Song Song Blue as being a legitimate Oscar contender, this is the best role Kate Hudson has had since Almost Famous. She doesn’t get this stuff anymore. She gets silly Netflix comedies where she inherits a basketball team. She earned that Golden Globe nomination, and perhaps if Marty Supreme or One battle After Another had been correctly identified as a drama, Jackman might have shown up in lead actor.

The film certainly isn’t perfect. It squanders its supporting cast, even the kids. Jim Belushi appears here, but he’s far better in the Chronology Of Water. The movie is laser focused on Claire and Mike, so Claire’s kids are pretty typical. So many similarities can be drawn between the kids here, and the ones in Roofman. both seem to think Mom is dating a weirdo.

If you need trigger warnings, these are real people who actually did this, and this is just now made into a narrative feature. A documentary exists if you need to prepare yourself. However, I would rather you get knocked in the gut like I was, not knowing where this film was headed. emotional curveballs have payoff.

this likely is going to miss out on the Oscars, but I wouldn’t be mad to see Kate Hudson get a surprise nomination. hell, the film managed the cinematography shortlist over Avatar: fire and Ash, so perhaps it has more Academy love than I’m giving it credit for. I just think, focus Features are really pushing Hamnet and bugonia, and this is the third film on their list.

Kate Hudson brings the electricity with her lightning, giving her best performance in 25 years. Song Song Blue is an emotional gut punch, but one with hope at the end.

Fresh: Final Grade: 8.2/10