Amy Berg’s ‘It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley’ Gains Popularity and Eyes Oscar Nomination
It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley, a documentary directed by Amy Berg, has made a significant impact at the box office ahead of its international theatrical release. The film, which focuses on the life of the late musician Jeff Buckley, has already grossed nearly $1.5 million in U.S. theaters, primarily before opening abroad.
Despite Buckley’s untimely death in 1997 at age 30, the film has garnered enthusiastic support, notably from younger audiences. Berg noted a strong response from Gen Z viewers who have repeatedly attended screenings.
“The Gen Z audience… they left their house multiple times to go see this movie,” Berg stated. “I think it was just because the film has a very authentic take. It’s not something that’s commissioned by the estate. I had final cut, and it’s just a really uncensored look at an artist that I think really needed to have his due.”
Berg also highlighted the film’s impact on social media, where viewers have shared videos and experiences of attending the film, indicating a deep connection to Buckley’s legacy.
A striking mini poster distributed for free at screenings and a bonus mini-concert featuring restored footage of Buckley’s 1994 performance have contributed to the film’s momentum. Producer Ryan Heller explained, “We restored 26 minutes of live footage… that was something we cleared only for theatrical use. It’s an ephemeral experience that was only going to last for a couple of weeks in theaters. And I think that had a true effect on the box office.”
The film’s appeal extends to fans like 20-year-old artist Sombr, who has praised it as his favorite movie of the year. Berg noted the documentary’s resonance with multiple generations, saying, “[Buckley] was woke way before woke was a thing, and he was a feminist when it wasn’t cool to be a feminist.”
Berg also emphasized the film’s communal viewing experience which allowed younger fans to connect with Buckley in a way they hadn’t before. “Being in the room with other kids… there was just this kind of communal thing that was happening and it was beautiful,” she said.
The documentary delves into Jeff Buckley’s complicated relationship with his father, Tim Buckley, who was a notable musician but passed away at a young age. Their shared musical talent is evident, but each carved their unique paths, with Jeff eventually revealing his extraordinary vocal capabilities.
Critics have praised Buckley’s voice as both powerful and fragile, an instrument that had not been heard before. “You just hadn’t heard anything like [his voice] until he came along,” remarked Harper. “It was as singular an instrument as has existed in the world of sound.”
Mary Guibert, Jeff Buckley’s mother, serves as an executive producer of the film. Berg pursued access to Buckley’s story for years, finally meeting Guibert in 2010. “Since 2008, I have been trying to get access to this story,” Berg reflected. “And I finally met up with Mary in 2010, but she didn’t give me the rights for another nine years.”
It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley has recently become available for streaming on HBO Max, and it is expected to see further box office growth with its impending international distribution. “Universal is so excited about the theatrical, they have 20 countries committed right now,” Berg noted, mentioning countries including Denmark, France, and Italy.
The film’s success has also led to a surge in downloads of Buckley’s music, with tracks like “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over” achieving 400 million streams on Spotify.
In a world filled with politics and negativity, Berg expressed hope that the film offers a much-needed escape, stating, “I think this film speaks to something that we all need, which is kindness and love and art and escapism.”
