Moment by Moment | Genesis Cinema Exclusive Screening

Moment by Moment is a song cycle film, featuring 17 original songs by Alexander Sage Oyen and directed by Louis Reyneau. Produced by Future Spotlight Productions, Moment by Moment involves a stellar cast of musical theatre performers, Cassidy Jason, Chloe Saracco, Cleve September, Collette Guitart, Jarnéia Richard-Noel, Jordan Donnelly, Katie Tonkinson, Lois Gay, May Tether and Ross Harmon.

Moment by Moment unfortunately struggles to find its identity as a film, resembling something more akin to a series of music videos that aren't linked thematically or by an overarching narrative. Whilst the cast are introduced in the film with their character names, this never follows through as various cast members appear in overlapping videos with seemingly new relationships without a clear sense of self. Whilst a song cycle needn't be plot driven, when it translates to film, Moment by Moment does itself a disservice by not attempting to make a coherent narrative. As a staged production, this would be less obvious and perhaps a better medium for Moment by Moment to have a future life.

Moment by Moment can boast of a wealth of creativity, with each song having a different artistic style that looks visually striking. Yet this can quickly feel a little too much and doesn't have a defining style that audiences will connect to the film. Artistic vision is often prioritised over the material it's presenting, leaving a sense of disconnect in what should be emotion driven numbers. The film is mostly shot in monochrome, using light to create contrast and shadows to create effect; yet there is occasionally moments of colour. However, these moments of colour appear to be randomised rather than significant, undermining both elements of this.

The songs themselves are lovely but not particularly catchy or memorable other than the titular song. The songs are wonderful to showcase the cast's voices and talents, but this hasn't been divided equally, with a few cast members having multiple solo songs and others given only half a duet. The songs are well written individually, often with a self contained story or feeling, but due to the quick succession of 17 songs in 80 minutes, these songs aren't given a chance to breathe or allow viewers to process them.

Under Rachel Sargent's choreography, a talented team of dancers including Bohan Baker, George Bowskill, Ziki Buswell, Marcus Chrisostomou, Robert Donnelly, Ella Goodie, Sammy Herbert, Maisie Kennedy, Rosie Napper, Antonia Tom-Dollar and Ethan Vijn, are used well to add movement and a sense of liveliness to the film.

Moment by Moment sets out to a promising and bold new step, blending film and musical theatre together. However, it ultimately feels disjointed and cold, despite its strong score and even stronger cast. 

★★★☆☆ (3*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review