JUST SING Review

Compared to the real-life Pitch Perfect, Just Sing is a new documentary that explores the world of collegiate a cappella. You might think "what is exciting about a cappella?", but once you watch Just Sing, you will understand. 

Following real-life students at Southern California University, Just Sing watches at the school club, the SoCal VoCal’s practice for the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella. Directors Angelique Molina and Abraham Troen are both alumni of SCU, so together they were able to connect with the students. To gain a natural and realistic capture of their daily life. We see the students getting ready for class, staying up super late for rehearsal and their personal struggles.

 I spoke with the directors about their upcoming documentary, and Molina said, “Things on campus had changed (since they were students). It was very different. So for [Troen and me], we were learning to be college students all over again. To be one with [the students] and observe them.” I found this observational approach to be effective. I learned a lot about the aspirations of the students featured in the documentary. 

Tiffany is a student who sticks out. While studying at SCU and being in SoCal VoCal as a soloist, Tiffany also works in a mariachi band to pay her rent. We see Tiffany has an unhealthy relationship with her mom, causing her to seek more independence and move out. Tiffany struggles to balance all of these parts of her life, causing her a large amount of stress. It is hard to watch such a talented vocalist wrestle with how she is going to attend rehearsal for SoCal VoCals and her mariachi band. Unfortunately, she has no one to lean on, and she must work to support herself with no help. 

This is a big juxtaposition to Dylan. Coming from a well-off family, Dylan has the complete support of his family. However, for a long time, Dylan feared his family would reject him because he is gay. I thought the documentary was extremely effective as it interviews not only Dylan, but also his parents to hear their side of the story. Growing up in a conservative state, Dylan’s parents always worried for their son, but supported him unwaveringly. To see this love from Dylan’s parents made me tear up. You can tell they may not fully understand why their son does a cappella rather than sports, but they see the talent he has. They do not want to be the ones to dim their son’s light, rather to encourage it. 

Just Sing plays on the heartstrings of the viewers and asks you to witness these young adults' perseverance and courage. Singing a mix of Rosalia, Bob Dylan, Beyonce and more, the SoCal VoCal group do not just sing, but think deeply about what they wish to convey with their performances. Set shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic and post-Trump’s first presidential term, the future of these young students is unknown. The excitement and fear among the SoCal VoCal members are evident, but they use it to fuel their team. Performing songs that represent the diversity and resistance of the people, the SoCal VoCals wish to use their voice not just to sing, but to spread a message. 

Troen states, “The world has changed since we graduated, and I think the world will continue to change. That's true for more than society, politics, the arts and the way people consume and create art. And the way people try to get their voice heard.” Life will continue to change, but what we do with it is entirely up to us. Just Sing captures this artist's spirit not only in the SoCal VoCal members but also in the director's approach. In life, you do not always place first, and I think Molina and Troen illustrate that in a gritty, but real way, in Just Sing.

🍿 SCORE = 82/100