After a devastating breakup, a singer-songwriter moves in with her strictly Catholic mother and forms an unexpected friendship with the wife of an old rival.
A relatively simple yet always poignantly observed indie drama with a potential breakthrough turn from its lead performer. As the eponymous Becks, Lena Hall is a double threat: she can sing extraordinarily well, and she can act like nobody's business.
Thomas Wolfe said in the title of his 1940 novel, You Can't Go Home Again. "Becks" proves that you can, but it is not going to be the same one you left.
With Becks, directors Elizabeth Rohrbaugh and Daniel Powell have crafted an understated musical that really works, thanks to Alyssa Robbins's heartfelt music and standout performances from the cast.
Hall and Suvari have a palpable chemistry, both musically and in their relationship. But despite effective moments, "Becks," like its central character, never finds its footing.
"Becks" is the kind of modest, non-earthshaking indie enterprise that ends up being so satisfying mostly because it's about a character type familiar from real life but all too under-represented at the movies.
[D]espite its thinness, has much to recommend it: some catchy music, believable passion and a highly likeable performance by Lena Hall in a rather prickly role.
Like its heroine, "Becks" is unsure and all over the place, lacking a central focus. But like Becks herself, its messiness ultimately draws us in and keeps us watching.
