Netflix’s tick, tick… BOOM! is based on an autobiographical stage musical created by Jonathan Larson right before he wrote the revolutionary Broadway musical Rent. Yes, theater fans will most likely be geeking out through the movie. And it’s not just because award-winning playwright-songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda is the director of the film.
In a nutshell, here’s the story: “On the brink of turning 30, a promising theater composer navigates love, friendship, and the pressure to create something great before time runs out.”
While it may tell the story of a Broadway icon, tick, tick… BOOM! is also a must-see film for anyone and everyone who feel like they’re running out of time to do something great with their lives.
Here are 5 reasons why tick, tick… BOOM! made us cry our hearts out:
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Andrew Garfield’s outstanding performance
tick, tick…BOOM! (L-R) ANDREW GARFIELD as JONATHAN LARSON in tick, tick…BOOM!. Cr. MACALL POLAY/NETFLIX © 2021
While many of us know him for his role as The Amazing Spider-Man, Andrew Garfield is actually an award-winning theater actor as well. His lead role as Jon Larson in tick, tick… BOOM! easily exhibits his powerful range as an actor. To describe it in a few words: he made us feel things.
Yes, we were definitely in tears because of how amazing Andrew Garfield was as Jon Larson… and we are proud to say it.
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The homage to musical theater
Any theater geek will feel like this film speaks directly to them, and that’s because it also pays homage to the long-standing legacy of Broadway musicals. We can’t reveal much as to why, but there is a moment that will make Broadway fans scream and cry—this is enough reason to watch the film as soon as possible!
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The understanding of Jon Larson’s life before his untimely passing
tick, tick…BOOM! (L-R) ANDREW GARFIELD as JONATHAN LARSON, ROBIN DE JESUS as MICHAEL in tick, tick…BOOM!. Cr. MACALL POLAY/NETFLIX © 2021
Jonathan Larson, unfortunately, passed away at the age of 35, right before the public premiere of his masterpiece Rent. This known fact made us understand the high stakes of the story and ultimately allowed us to further comprehend the tragedy of Larson’s untimely demise. The truth makes the film even more heartbreaking.
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The relatable story that hits too close to home
tick, tick…BOOM! (L-R) ANDREW GARFIELD as JONATHAN LARSON in tick, tick…BOOM!. Cr. MACALL POLAY/NETFLIX © 2021
Whether you’re a college student, a young professional, or in the midst of a middle-age crisis, the story of Jon Larson told in tick, tick… BOOM! is all too familiar. The film revolves around the theme of fear of running out of time to do something great, and constantly being chased by personal expectations and pressures from the world around. I know, MOOD.
It honestly broke us, watching the film and realizing how similar it was to how we were feeling today—especially when the whole world is just beginning to get back to normal.
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It’s a story of hope and legacy even after failures.
We’ll let you watch the film so that you can experience that liberating feeling of its closing act. I’ll tell you now that tick, tick… BOOM! reminded me that failures are not endings. The fact that Jon Larson’s legacy continues even after he’s gone gives us a glimpse of hope that maybe we have the right amount of time to do exactly what we were supposed to do.
Tick, tick… BOOM! is now streaming on Netflix!
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