It's Never Over, Jeff Buckley

The footage of Jeff Buckley performing and singing was absolute magic. Amy Berg handled many of the pratfalls of documenting a talented singer who died young with a deft hand, never letting the supporting cast and commentaries slide into idolatry. However, I can't help but think there was a LOT that was left unsaid, particularly from the women in his life. The two scenes that felt the rawest were the footage of him singing his own material for the first time in Sin-e (you really could have heard a pin drop), and when a journalist asked him where he saw himself in ten years. No one will ever know what went through his mind when he waded into the river, but I, for one, will always wonder what music he could have made if he had lived.

This documentary had me in tears almost every time that Mary Guibert (Jeff Buckley's mom) was on the screen. I've always known that Buckley was one of the most singularly musically talented human beings to ever walk the earth, but watching this film brought his story, his pain, and his humanity to life for me in ways that I know will stick with me for a very long time. Thinking about what could have been is devastating, but the film, and his performances within it, are absolutely spellbinding.

Jeff wasn't ever looking to be a worshipped idol (but oh how I did worship him!) so footage of him sharing himself (outside of performances) is not abundant, however director Amy Berg and team expertly crafted this film with his art and writings, photos, sound, and color-as well as interviews and so much of his music-to enhance and expand on the spirit of who he was as a person, partner, son, friend, bandmate, performer, and it buoyed me along with out feeling lacking at all. I wept at the end of this film from just the sheer loss of this human spirit and talent.

Watched at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.

Jeff Buckley was one of a kind whom we lost way too young. With this new documentary about his career and life, director Amy Berg, while follows the predictable biographical documentary structure that does feel repetitive, still carries an solid emotional journey to explore what made Jeff famous and important and his important musical work. Using good archive footage, participant interviews and discussions, it helps to add flavor and meat to what made Jeff special, his ideas, his background and an understanding of his personality in general. Allowing viewers to get into his world and learn what made him special.

With good music choices and styles throughout, Berg approaches things appropriately and emotionally, helping tone engage with the emotions and perspectives well. I am not familiar with Jeff's music but the documentary does offer a lot to let you learn about him. Despite some pacing issues and with the predictable structure that does make things feel a tad dry with its ambitious tone, still, you feel the blues and vibe well.

I'm kind of surprised a music documentary about Jeff hasn't been made sooner, especially with how his legacy and music has changed over these years.

Truly amazing definitely the best documentary's I've ever watched it's truly a work of art this is an absolute must watch and it's absolutely incredible to watch his life and what obstacles he had to face to become what he is famously known for. Also I love the fact that so many old interviews were used.