The story of the late Johnathan Larson who is best known for the musical Rent hits the big screen with Lin-Manuel’s Miranda directorial debut. Is this worth a watch?

Tick, Tick…Boom is based on the 2002 off-broadway one-man show that tells the story of Larson’s musical that never happened, Superbia. Although Larson had a big success with Rent after, the film shows the prior events that made Larson a phenomenon American composer. We see the struggles Larson faces as an inspiring artist living in NYC surrounded by his ambitious best friend Michael and his supportive girlfriend Susan.

Miranda’s journey with Tick, Tick..Boom began when he first saw Rent on Broadway. This was a turning point for Miranda’s career as a young songwriter. After seeing the show he knew that he wanted to write music for musicals. He related to Larson as a songwriter and knew someone day he wanted to be like him.

15 years later, Lin removes his writer hat and directs the film for Netflix. Lin gifts us a love letter to the theatre. Lin does an excellent job because he celebrates Larson’s gift. He decides to have Larson narrate his own story which works great as the viewer is fully immersed with Larson’s thoughts.

Adapting a musical to the big screen is not an easy task. You either got it or not. Lin creates a well-crafted adaptation creating memorable numbers and showcasing the joy, sacrifice, and tears that it is to pursue a career in theatre. Miranda’s research is accurate showing locations where Lanson stepped foot on and also using Larson’s hidden gems for its score. This is Miranda’s best work yet and can possibly land Miranda’s first Oscar nomination as a director. Larson questions his dream to become a well-known composter. Miranda does well showcasing the desire, the struggle, and the outcome with imagery musical sequences that will have you moving your foot to the music.

Andrew Garfield as Larsen delivers an honest tribute to the late composer. Garfield studied Larson and it shows on screen. Before writing this review, I took the time to see real footage of Larson. I was shocked at how much Garfield embodied his funny quirks and body language. Garfield without a doubt will receive a nomination for best actor during next year’s award season and or even take the award home. Garfield definitely went out of his comfort zone and it shows in the 2-hour film.

Vanessa Hudgens shines in every scene she is in. For example, in a number called “Therapy” Hudgen experience as a trained actor shows as she is fantastic with choreography that is over the top but works and tops Chicago’s “We Both Reached For The Gun” which can be easily compared to. Hudgens deserves to get recognized and should receive a nomination for the best-supporting actress during award season. Other supporting casts, which include Mj Rodriguez, Bradley Whitford, and Judith Light, Alexandra Shipp is nothing special.

No spoilers, but there is a musical dream segment that is phenomenal offering Broadway’s best! I attended the world premiere at the 2021’s AFI fest and the crowds went crazy after the number concluded. The number will be known as one of the best musical pieces ever seen on the big screen.

Important themes like addiction and HIV/AIDS are in the film which is greatly appreciated. Tick, Tick… Boom is moving and has a heart. The film shows us to keep going, never stop, that there is only one of us, and to not give up on your gift!

Tick, Tick…BOOM! is in select theaters and on Netflix on November 19.