The Greatest Hits

In The Greatest Hits, based on Oliver Sacks’ Musicophilia, Ned Benson weaves his narrative around various contrasts: there’s grief, pity, laughter and charm, bringing emotional complexity to his mesmerising drama.

The film tells the story of Harriet (the superb Lucy Boynton), who has just lost her beloved boyfriend, Max (David Corenswet), in a car accident. During her therapy sessions, she meets and becomes enamoured with David (Justin H Min). Simultaneously, Harriet learns that listening to her and Max’s past songs enables her to go back in time and relive various moments from their past life. These time-travelling sequences scintillate and fill the screen through shimmers and flashes, proof of some solid filmmaking. 

Benson sets Harriet up for a strictly moral dilemma: is she going to relish those memories and, through finding the exact music that was played during the accident, save Max? Or, will she move on and try to build a new relationship with David? This tension imbues The Greatest Hits with sparks of excitement and uncertainty. Boynton’s adorable heroine, once self-assured, now wrestles with insecurity, bringing an emotional authenticity to the role that keeps the audience invested until the closing credits. Her performance, particularly in the intimate scenes, leaves one wondering why we don’t see Boynton more often in leading roles. 

A standout feature is also the fantastic soundtrack (as the title suggests), which enriches the film’s dynamics. Through various songs, from Roxy Music to Nelly Furtado, Benson unpicks the trauma related to losing one’s other half. 

However, the film falters in its reliance on conventional characters, predictable plot devices and low-key tempo. Furthermore, some of the sci-fi elements don’t quite land, particularly the unrealistic implication that there are better solutions to dealing trauma with than coming to terms with it, preventing the story from resonating deeply.

While not as masterful as Benson’s memorable Eleanor Rigby trilogy, The Greatest Hits still has its moments and an attractive premise, delivering an enjoyable take on falling in love with a new person and finding a light at the end of the tunnel.

Jan Tracz

The Greatest Hits is released on Disney+ on 12^th April 2024.

Watch the trailer for The Greatest Hits here: