MOVIE REVIEW - 'MÚSICA', a distinctive, but grounded musical-drama with a remarkably original mix of substance and pizzazz in its truest form.

‘MÚSICA’ marks creative genius @RudyMancuso’s first ever full-length feature on the big screen. From getting his start in 2012 creating viral skits on Vine, to having produced hundreds of musical-comedy shorts for millions on YouTube, Rudy has had nothing short of a fascinating journey of creating. A journey, that still has far to go before it bites the dust.

With a story based on his life, and several references to his past works, ‘MÚSICA’ is delivered with an incredibly raw and personal perspective that takes us directly into the mind of Rudy. An aspiring creator navigating the depths of love, coming of age, and a chaotically musical condition - synesthesia. A condition in which at any given moment, every day natural sounds can ensue into a barrage of music within his mind.

While this is a gift and a curse for Rudy, we get a glimpse for ourselves with eccentrically choreographed dance numbers, and artistic musical sequences of the likes we haven’t seen before - all backed by a beautifully-composed soundtrack with Rudy’s melodic bossanova-jazz style printed all over it.

Aside from directing, writing, and composing this film, Mancuso hands us a raw performance as the lead role. But the main stealer of the show, is Camila Mendes as Isabella. She carries over her ability to handle emotional portrayals perfectly into this film. Taking both roles into account, Rudy and Camila play off each other so perfectly as love interests in this film, almost leaving you feeling as though there’s a whole part of their story missing by the time the credits roll.

‘MÚSICA’ starts out guns blazing, with unique elements and concepts implemented, immediately raising the bar for the rest of the film. Like synesthesia, this might be a gift and a curse. As towards the 2nd-3rd acts, you can sense the film lay off the gas pedal quite a bit nearing the conclusion. This may be the make or break for audiences here.

Regardless, #MÚSICA brings us one of the most extraordinary stories told yet, so get yourself comfortable and ready, for a true musical experience. @RudyMancuso’s ‘MÚSICA’ is out now on @primevideo!

“A Beautiful barrage of musical artistry”

- The Mango Critic