SXSW Review: Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas Hit the Right Note in John Carney's Power Ballad

      A film that perfectly aligns with co-writer and director John Carney’s style, Power Ballad delivers familiar tunes with a few emotional twists. It capitalizes on the innate chemistry between its lead characters while delving into the price of fame, ownership, and identity within the music industry. The story follows two Americans in Ireland: Rick (Paul Rudd), a once-promising rocker living a “dream deferred,” who forms a connection and jamming partnership with boy-band alum Danny Wilson (Nick Jonas) after Rick's wedding band, The Bride and Groove, performs at a private event in an Irish castle.

      During an all-night jam attended by drinks, cannabis, and a genuine bond between two artists trapped by their situations, we learn that Rick fell for a local woman, Rachel (Carney regular Marcella Plunkett), while on tour and chose to stay and build a relatively happy life. He is a man balancing the duties of fatherhood with his passion for music on the side. The film poses the question: if a song resonates with just two listeners, does it still hold value? Rick certainly believes it does, as he occasionally shifts from playing pop covers to showcase an original at his performances.

      For pop star Danny, navigating the shift from a boy band to solo artist has been tumultuous. His manager, Mac (Jack Reynor), is preoccupied with managing his public image after a video of Danny jamming with The Bride and Groove goes viral on TikTok, leading to a meme questioning whether he is now in a wedding band.

      Both characters are portrayed as “nice guys” who sometimes lose their composure when pressed by their responsibilities. For Rick, this involves his dedication to his wife and daughter, Aja (Beth Fallon)—we discover he was dropped by his label after Aja’s birth, prompting him to abandon his dreams of global tours. For Danny, the strain of building a worldwide brand looms large. Desperate for a hit, Danny reworks Rick’s original song, “How to Write a Song (Without You),” to redirect attention away from negative press on TMZ. It becomes a massive success, embedding itself in pop culture—Rick first hears it playing in a shopping mall—before it spirals into a source of profound regret. When exploring legal options, Rick realizes he has no footing since he never officially released the song. He is ultimately dismissed by Mac, who refuses to acknowledge Rick’s input for fear it may harm the brand.

      Rick goes through a whirlwind of emotions, from enthusiasm to bitterness, as he initially appreciates the artistry behind how Danny’s team transforms a poignant, personal ballad into a legitimate mega-hit. Songs can take on lives of their own, and as the true essence of this one is revealed, the film concludes on a perfect, deeply personal note.

      Having premiered in the US at South By Southwest—a festival where films screen alongside musicians at various career stages, performing 20-minute sets throughout the city—Power Ballad serves as a touching reminder that genuine talent and hard work can resonate on an individual level, even if the artist doesn’t become a well-managed global sensation. Carney has delivered a clever, uplifting crowd-pleaser that hits all the right notes.

      Power Ballad debuted at SXSW and is set to release on June 5.