Disclaimer: I have never been a big Bob Dylan listener, and would have struggled to name anything besides Like a Rolling Stone that he made.

After Joker: Folie à Deux had notoriously faceplanted a few months earlier, you might have heard the claim that it is simply impossible to make a sad or an outright tragic musical. Anybody who had ever said this - regardless of whether they were arguing for against that film - ought to be dragged to see Girl From the North Country ASAP.

This is a story which doesn't so much "get" dark as it already starts downbeat, as expected of something set during The Great Depression - and then its characters may joke and laugh as they strive to keep up the appearances in front of each other, but the general thrust of the narrative it to get more and more tragic - at times shockingly so.

A notably heterogeneous cast of characters is gradually introduced throughout the first act - and then they are allowed to interact with each other in ways you might not expect, and which gradually bring out their secrets, doubts and hidden motivations. Everybody's behaviour makes sense according to the circumstances they find themselves in, and it is a very grounded story - perhaps more comparable to something like Soviet theater than "typical Broadway".

I hate if this sounds vague, but I don't want to spoil any more of this. In conclusion, I'll say that this has renewed my appreciation for musicals an art form, and makes me hopeful I'll get to see an adaptation of some of my favourite works to musical form one day - the way it already happened to, say, Back to the Future.

The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)

The musical genre features stories that combine music, singing, dancing, acting, and often spoken dialogue to tell a story or convey a narrative. Musicals incorporate various elements of drama, music, and choreography to create a cohesive theatrical experience that engages audiences on multiple levels.

Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music (1965)

Nick Laine's wife is suffering from dementia. Their daughter Marianne has a guarded secret that no one can explain, she will start a relationship with a convict that will change everything for everyone forever in a timeless love story.

Get a closer look at some of Hollywood's perfect pairs.

Hollywood Power Couples

Get a closer look at some of Hollywood&#39;s perfect pairs.

See which big screen releases you can watch from the comfort of your couch.

Theatrical Releases Coming to Streaming

Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

Girl from the North Country

Photos

Top Cast4

Related interests

Storyline

Did you know

Top picks

Details

Box office

Tech specs

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed