In a similar vein to the Meryl Streep starrer “Ricki and The Flash” and the Paul Dano vehicle “For Ellen,” Craig Ferguson’s directorial debut “I’ll Be There” is solid. It follows a washed up rockstar Paul Kerr (Ferguson), who after a self-accident involving a motorbike, hard liquor, the window of his mansion, and a fountain, has an awakening. He attempts to patch up his rocky relationship with an ex who got away and a teenage daughter he never knew of while also confronting his own demons.
“I’ll Be There” is sentimental and quite cheesy in tone, yet the sincerity with which Ferguson delves into the core topics of alcoholism and the journey to sobriety prove to be the film’s beating heart.
Ferguson Adds Personal Touches
This is material Ferguson knows all too well. Many have seen his widely referenced and poignant monologue from his late night talk show, comparing his own struggles as a recovering alcoholic with those of a young and vulnerable Britney Spears. Ferguson understands undergoing mental duress in the spotlight, and has called out victim shaming in the media as well as taking responsibility for one’s actions. Additionally, the filmmaker is also vocal about the negative impact of alcohol abuse on his personal relationships in his memoirs “Riding the Elephant” and “American on Purpose.”
Via “I’ll Be There,” Ferguson does a commendable job in adding his personal touches to the writing. He presents Paul’s struggles to viewers through a raw, straightforward, and mature lens. One such memorable scene that depicting the same involves Paul reconnecting with his daughter, Olivia, only after completing a stint in rehab rather than treating his alcoholism as an afterthought. Paul’s sobriety in turn allows him to grow into a more present and responsible father. The movie also blends humour with bittersweet drama, without the former overpowering the latter. Silly wordplay/dad jokes like Paul naming his pet llama ‘Dolly Llama,’ as well as a series of petty arguments between him and his ex, Rebecca (played by Jemma Redgrave) during the climactic portions are particularly chuckle-worthy.
The movie also borrows its title from the Motown hit by Four Tops “Reach Out (I’ll be There),” which is covered as a duet by Olivia and Paul in the final act. It further encapsulates its running theme of being present for a loved one. It is also Rebecca’s favorite song. Furthermore, music also brings the family together, strengthens the bond between Paul and Olivia (who against her mother’s wishes, is keen on following in her father’s footsteps), and as Rebecca’s dad, Evil Edmonds (Joss Ackland), an elderly musician who is yet to hang up his guitar, wisely puts it, “The only way to truly get to know someone, is by listening to them play.”
Effortless Chemistry with Charlotte Church
Ferguson is endearing as the wild child rockstar-turned-grounded girl dad yearning for a second chance. He shares an effortless chemistry with co-stars Charlotte Church (in her acting debut as Olivia), Jemma Redgrave, and Ralph Brown who plays the likable Digger, Paul’s bandmate and confidante. Apart from lending her angelic voice to the soundtrack, singer and songwriter Church also impresses in her first outing as a lead actor. Imelda Staunton and Steve Noonan round out the cast. They deliver formidable performances, the former as a well-meaning psychiatrist who accidentally admits Paul to a mental asylum after misconstruing his accident as a suicidal attempt and the latter who plays a gay hairdresser who works at Rebecca’s salon. Last but not least, despite brief screen time, the late Anthony Head is a hoot as Paul’s ‘bastard of an agent.’
If you’re looking for a feel-good, no-frills coming-of-age with a fair share of comedy and musical moments, then “I’ll Be There” won’t disappoint.
“I’ll Be There” is available to watch on Tubi.
