In my not-writing life, I work in music. I studied music in college, I teach private lessons and I play out when I can. But even those who have a more casual relationship with music can recognize the power it has to take you to certain moments in time. And that connection can be stronger when it places you with someone who is important to you. Next week on Hulu, Ned Benson’s newest film, “The Greatest Hits,” uses this idea in a high-concept romantic movie.
Harriet (Lucy Boynton) is stuck in the past, sometimes quite literally. When she and her boyfriend Max (David Corenswet) are in a car accident, everything in Harriet’s life changes. She was in a coma for six days, and he passed away. Following her coma, Harriet discovers that if she listens to certain songs that were playing during the years she was with Max, she is able to transport back into those moments. As a result, she is on the lookout for songs that could change what led to the accident, hoping to alter the past. But one day, in her grief support group, she meets David (Justin H. Min), and his presence in
her life complicates her past in ways that she can’t fully understand.
I wanted to love this movie so much. While the idea of time travel to stop something tragic from happening has certainly been done, this was a unique take on it. The incorporation of music was a fascinating way to do it, given how music connects us to past events. But as interesting as the concept was, this movie didn’t come together for me.
The cast certainly gives it their all. It’s hard to have a compelling former love alongside a compelling current love, but these three made it work. I wasn’t rooting for one outcome or another; I genuinely liked the way both couples worked. Boynton is tasked with the difficult job of looking like she is connected to her past while wanting to explore the future, and she handles that effortlessly.
Additionally, I loved the production design for this. It is vibrant and beautiful throughout. The costumes are fun, and the soundtrack is phenomenal. Phoebe Bridgers does a cover of The Cure’s “Friday I’m in Love,” which is a new favorite of mine.
The issue with this movie is its pacing. There is a lot of time spent waiting to fully explain the time travel element, which keeps us from seeing either of the relationships really take root. Harriet tells us that Max was the love of her life, but we never understand why. We never fully understand why she is considering moving on with David because she spends a lot of time telling us about Max.
There’s a lovely story somewhere inside this movie, but I don’t think we got to see it. Unfortunately, “The Greatest Hits” is a little out of tune.
ALISE CHAFFINS is a Morgantown writer who loves movies and sharing her opinions. She reviews a movie from a streaming service every Saturday and one newly in theaters every Sunday. Find more at MacGuffin or Meaning on Substack
