On the evening of March 31, 1943, legendary lyricist Lorenz Hart confronts his shattered self-confidence in Sardi’s bar as his former collaborator, Richard Rodgers, celebrates the opening night of his ground-breaking hit musical, “Oklahoma!”

There’s an immense melancholy here; a real sense of sadness mixed with bitterness and joy. It’s an ode to the end of a partnership, the longing for past glories, the bitterness of missed opportunities. It’s witty and heartbreaking and immensely funny. And more than anything, it’s just a breathtaking piece of cinema, utterly moving in its simplicity and a testament to the power of a good script, breezy directing, and wholly engrossing performances. Ethan Hawke, Margaret Qualley, and Andrew Scott all act their faces off, with Hawke easily giving a career best here. And even if you’ve no interest in the history of American musical theater, there’s something here for you, too. Not to be cliché, but this really does feel like the kind of movie that doesn’t get made very often these days, and it’s all the better for it.

4.5 out of 5 wands.

Blue Moon is now available on all major digital platforms.