Jeff Buckley wasn’t a known quantity in the US during his peak. Music from the 1990s was often pigeonhole into very narrowly defined categories like grunge, hip hop, and boy bands. (My favorite year of music from the decade was 1997 because a lot of the songs took risks, like it was eagerly anticipating the arrival of a new century, wanting to be on the edge of transformation.) However, the best, under-the-radar artists of that era had their distinct style, and that’s where Jeff Buckley fit in. I was mesmerized listening to his music and taking in the storytelling, reminiscing during the runtime of Amy Berg’s captivating, soulful, and introspective documentary, It’s Never Over: Jeff Buckley.
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The documentary film kicks off with a flutter of journal entries and uptempo music, with Buckley’s voice reflecting on his music and artistic ambition. The gritty realism of the vintage footage mixed with the talking heads was a perfect mix. I love the handwritten effect that splashed across the screen. A music executive reflecting on his life talked about what a discovery he was in such a tight-knit venue (“A pin could drop…I wasn’t thinking about being a music executive, I was just a fan.”), perfectly sets the tone for a story rooted in admiration and intimacy.
I started the documentary not knowing who Jeff Buckley was and ended up feeling touched by life while being stirred by his soulful voice, his intricate chords, and the way his presence lingers throughout the documentary. This is something special. I pondered while watching this, what does it mean to leave behind a legacy when your life was cut short? It’s Never Over: Jeff Buckley was a vibrant immersion into the life and artistry of someone who played by his own rules and didn’t fit into the ’90s music category. Although I wasn’t familiar with him, I am glad this documentary gave us a glimpse into his life. It leaves viewers with the same haunting feeling of Buckley’s music, as if they’ve experienced something rare.
It’s Never Over: Jeff Buckley is now playing in limited release.
