Fix: Australia, The Sixties, Singing Groups, etc.
Platform: Netflix, Prime Video
Netflix Summary:
The spirit and vitality of 1960s soul music are at the core of this film about a real-life Australian aborigine singing group and their bumpy career. Three sisters and a cousin are brought together as the Sapphires by a talent scout with a plan.
FYA Summary:
Ahhhhhhhhhh this movie is great. A group of three Aboriginal sisters want to make it as singers. They run into Chris O’Dowd who accidentally becomes their manager. They recruit their cousin, who, by the by, was stolen away by the government as a girl because she can pass for white. The four of them audition for as entertainment for the US troops in Vietnam. And the group travels there, sings soul songs, dance in ridiculous matching late 60s outfits and try not to get shot. WHAT IS NOT TO LOVE ABOUT THAT PLOT?!?
Familiar Faces:
Chris O’Dowd as Dave
Chris O’Dowd was utterly delightful in this role. I mean, I’m trying to think of anything I haven’t found him utterly delightful in and am coming up blank. But this very well may be my new favorite movie of his. He was even more charming than usual.
Deborah Mailman as Gail
Deborah Mailman is a well known star in Australia, but this movie was my first introduction to her. And she was great as the movie’s overprotective older sister.
Jessica Mauboy as Julie
So, Jessica Mauboy is best known for her singing career. She’s an Australian Idol alum and a current R&B/pop singer. She’s actually the reason I discovered this movie when I did. She guest starred on an episode of Dance Academy and in the process of looking her up, I read about The Sapphires. Obviously it seemed like a movie I needed to see and Netflix was kind enough to oblige.
Couch-Sharing Capability: Good Friends
There’s nothing embarrassing here, but this isn’t really a party movie. Watch it with some good friends or by yourself.
Recommended Level of Inebriation: Nah
I’m mean, sure, grab a glass of wine. But you won’t really need any distractions for this one.
Use of Your Streaming Subscription: Required Viewing
Everyone! Go add this to your queue right now! It’s not often I recommend a Netflix Instant movie with zero reservations or at least not without a specific audience in mind. But this is one I recommend to any and all FYA readers. I think there’s something in this movie for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for some fun soul singing, romance, family dynamics or looking for a somber look at race relations between the Australian government and aboriginals. Or you just want to watch Chris O’Dowd. Whatever floats your boat, just watch it!
