If you’ve read the Old Testament, you no doubt already know about the story of King Solomon. His was a tale of love and a warning against falling prey to the temptations of the world. In The Song, a new film that opens in theaters today, writer-director Richard Ramsey has taken that age-old story, dusted it off and placed it in the modern world, with all the snares of the rock-and-roll life.
The Song follows the story of Jed King (played by Anthem Lights lead singer Alan Powell), a struggling musician fighting to break out of the shadow his famous father has cast. After toiling away, playing to lackluster crowds and empty venues, Jed is offered a final gig from his slimy manager—a parting gift, Jed’s last show is the final nail in the coffin, proof that he’ll never be as good or as known as his father was.
Thankfully, Jed takes it anyway, and there, at a harvest festival on a vineyard in a small town in Kentucky, he meets Rose Jordan (Twilight star Ali Faulkner). The two hit it off, thanks to Jed’s easy charm and his impromptu public performance for Rose, which becomes one of the highlights of the film.
Courtship, love and marriage follow and soon the two are blissfully wed in an unfinished chapel Jed has promised to build for his bride. Being a married man seems to agree with Jed as he finally discovers something to sing about and his new material soon brings him the fame he’s always dreamed of.
But as with everything, it comes with a heavy price. After tedious touring and long stretches of time on the road, Jed and Rose struggle in their marriage. Temptation comes in the form of Jed’s new opening act, a fiddle-playing, fun-loving Shelby Bale (Caitlin Nicol-Thomas) and soon, Jed has found himself spiraling into drugs, booze and adultery, forsaking everything he believes in.
“I have seen everything done under the sun,” Jed narrates in the film, quoting from Ecclesiastes. “All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
Both Powell and Faulkner shine in their first lead roles, with magnetic chemistry and endearing portrayals of a young couple searching desperately for wisdom and discernment.
Powell easily transitions from a light-hearted and doting husband to a man consumed with guilt and the desire to be more than the husband and son he’s blessed to be. Faulkner steadily anchors the movie with both innocence and strength, bringing to life a character whose moral compass and faith will leave you envious.
But the most exciting thing about The Song is in the title; the musical performances by Powell and Nicol-Thomas are unforgettable and every song has a message and significance to the film. While it is definitely rooted in faith, any person struggling to find hope and meaning in life can and should be inspired by this redemption story.
Check out Guideposts.org’s exclusive interview with the stars of the film and be sure to go see The Song, in theaters now!
