Photo by SKY

Bonus Track: First Crushes and Gentle Melodies

Coming-of-age stories often walk the same well-trodden path, but Bonus Track, Julia Jackman’s directorial debut, finds its charm in the quieter moments. Set in 2006, it follows George Bobbin (Joe Anders), a 16-year-old aspiring musician, as he navigates life in a sleepy English town. Enter Max (Samuel Small), the enigmatic son of a famous musical duo, whose arrival strikes more than a few chords in George’s life. Together, they create a bond that grows into something deeper, offering a tender, Queer love story that’s as warm as it is understated.

The film works best when it focuses on the gentle awkwardness of teenage life: George fumbling with his feelings, Max revealing his insecurities, and the two of them finding solace in each other. Joe Anders gives George a lovely, grounded sincerity, while Samuel Small brings just the right amount of charisma to Max, keeping him from veering into the trope of the unattainable crush. Their chemistry holds the story together, even when the script leans into clichĂŠs that feel borrowed from countless romantic comedies.

Think of it as a playlist of your favourite emotional hits – comforting, even if you know exactly what’s coming next.

The 2006 setting, however, is more of a mood board than a lived-in reality. There are nods to the era – clunky flip phones, MySpace, and a sprinkling of questionable wardrobe choices – but it’s all a bit too clean to feel authentic. If you’re expecting the grit and grime of mid-2000s small-town life, you might feel a bit shortchanged. Still, for the film’s younger audience, this polished nostalgia might just hit the spot.

Director Julia Jackman takes a straightforward, warm approach to the material, and the results are sweet if a little predictable. The music, while central to the narrative, remains understated, reflecting the characters’ emotions without dominating the story. This restraint gives the film an unassuming charm, even if it doesn’t leave a lasting impression.

Final Thoughts ★★★

Would I recommend Bonus Track? If you’re in the mood for something cosy and heartfelt, it’s a pleasant enough watch. It might not surprise you, but its sincerity and warmth make it hard to dislike. Much like the bonus track on an album, it’s not essential, but it’s a nice addition all the same.

Available to watch on SKY / NOW and other streaming services.

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