It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley Review: A Beautiful Tribute to a Gifted, Tragic Life

      Amy Berg’s *It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley* serves as both an impressive archival record and a tribute to the life of a tormented artist. Although the phrase "tortured artist" is often overused, it fits particularly well when discussing Buckley. He was a striking figure with an almost indescribably beautiful voice, grappling with the tragedy of being talented, alive, and famous simultaneously. He was also burdened by the specter of his father (musician Tim Buckley), whom he scarcely knew and who passed away at a young age. In May 1997, Jeff Buckley tragically drowned in the Wolf River in Tennessee while he was in the midst of working on his second studio album. His debut record, *Grace*, stands as a true masterpiece.

      Mary Guibert, Buckley’s mother and the executor of his estate, plays a significant role in the film, discussing her son with warmth and eloquence. “No one has loved me more or better than he,” she expresses early in the documentary. Berg candidly addresses Buckley’s challenging childhood, including the circumstances surrounding his birth while Tim was in another relationship—an event that distanced Mary from her family and left her and Jeff largely on their own. At one point, Jeff refers to Anaheim, the city of his upbringing, as “that hellhole in Southern California where Disneyland is.” The influence of his father would follow Jeff throughout his musical journey, much like his voice resonates throughout the documentary. His soft, nasal musings from beyond highlight the picture Berg is crafting. Carefully chosen photos and video excerpts enhance the visual narrative of the artist.

      Former bandmates (including Michael Tighe and Parker Kindred) and romantic partners share their experiences, describing Jeff’s gentleness and emerging brilliance. Both Rebecca Moore and Joan Wasser, accomplished musicians themselves, reflect on their lives with Buckley, recounting both the highs and lows. They discuss how Moore felt neglected when Jeff’s label pushed for him to achieve fame (including landing a spot on People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People list in 1995), even as they influenced one another. Towards the end of the film, Wasser delivers a poignant remark reflecting on his untimely passing: “We were so young.” She expresses a wish that Jeff had lived long enough to move beyond the early traumas that affected him.

      Then there's the music and, notably, his voice. The film discusses his admiration for artists like Nina Simone and Led Zeppelin, beautifully contrasting his talent with that of those he looked up to. Engaging with Buckley’s music and viewing archival performance clips prove to be the most impactful elements of *It’s Never Over*, a fact Berg seems to recognize. The more of Jeff we see, the more enriching the experience. It’s evident that this project has been a true passion for the Oscar-nominated filmmaker, as shown in every shot. Jeff’s playful antics—entertaining and elaborate messages on his answering machines, as well as his spontaneous adventures like climbing the rafters of a venue to catch a Led Zeppelin show—depict a life fully lived despite its challenges.

      While there are some transitional animation sequences that might not fully satisfy, this is a minor critique. The core of *It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley* lies in the footage of the man himself and the reflections of those who cherished him. “When I’m dead, that’s the only thing that will be around,” Buckley confides about his music at one point in the documentary. Berg and her team are committed to ensuring that doesn’t become a reality.

      *It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley* premieres in theaters on Friday, August 8.