Rarely does a film come with its own built-in mixtape, or carry the same feel-good whimsy as queer favorite, Heartstopper. Co-writer/story creator Josh O’Connor (The Crown, Challengers), I was not familiar with your game. Music aficionados will find plenty of familiar indie rock tunes to blast—Years & Years lead singer Olly Alexander helms the soundtrack. At the center are two seemingly polar opposite characters primed for a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love. Bonus Track dares to break the mold, crafting two complex gayboys with a charming British vibe to its romance.
Set in 2006, we follow music-obsessed loner, George (Joe Anders), just trying to go through the motions on his final year at St. Sebastian’s. It would probably be easier to coast along if George’s grades reflected his actual talent. Failing nearly every subject, even George’s music teacher would prefer if he simply cut back on the experimentation in the classroom. George’s parents, especially his father, are beginning to think his “untapped potential” may be a lost cause.
A transfer student, son of a world-famous music duo, will not only change George’s outlook on life, but his existence on the fringes of high school status quo. Max (Samuel Paul Small) is used to people only trying to befriend him because of his proximity to fame; almost instantly, the two kick off a prosperous camaraderie. They become study buddies, whether by fate or by necessity. George begs Max to perform with him in the school’s upcoming talent show. Once it becomes apparent that Max has a beautiful singing voice, the setup does not hide from its obvious directions.
As Max and George grow closer through the loving art of montage, they begin to sense an attraction blossoming. George cannot stop staring at Max’s tattoos. Max helps pry George’s shell open, and sticks up for him when bullies verbally put George down. The build up to the first kiss manages to capture that nervousness and altogether special feeling of young love. Watching the duo vibe together would already be sweet enough; adding another layer, George’s fantasies about becoming a famous musician now include a second person by his side.
Music burrows into the very core of Bonus Track. Each portion of the movie is divided into signature segments, or “tracks.” These serve multiple purposes—we get a glimpse into George’s musical taste, set the atmosphere for the following scenes, and as an added reward, sample some truly epic songs. The sole original song, titled “A Very Bad Fun Idea,” seems primed for repeat. Every major moment accompanied by a tune quite literally sings. The movie essentially makes a mixtape, perfectly setting the mood for each respective moment. A built-in Spotify playlist, if you will.
Without the knowledge that indie favorite Josh O’Connor co-wrote the screenplay with Mike Gilbert, I had no idea what to expect from Bonus Track. Color me pleasantly surprised that director Julia Jackman manages to so seamlessly combine the music world with an adorable coming-of-age queer drama for her feature debut. Who cares that the stakes are low, or the conflict virtually nonexistent? Sometimes, watching two teenagers discover their sexualities—and each other—can be the perfect balm to life’s troubles. They also make for one seriously killer soundtrack.
Bonus Track screened at 2024’s Inside Out Toronto 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival.
