Phenomenal!

Rating: 9/10 (23 October 2018)

I went into this film having seen the rave reviews and I have to say it surpassed all my expectations. It was extremely authentic especially with the festival scenes and often felt like a documentary with shaky camera work (a solid directorial debut by Bradley Cooper). The soundtrack is mesmerizing ('Shallow' gave me goosebumps) and Bradley Cooper is a brilliant singer. Also the chemistry between Gaga and Cooper was extraordinary as their relationship develops over time with lots of long silences for effect and some tense scenes where you literally hold your breath. Their performances are both so captivating and Gaga does a tremendous job and immerses herself in the character of Ally (you wouldn't think this is her first big-screen starring role), especially when she has to pretend to be nervous on stage! It did drag slightly in the third act which was slightly exhausting but the acting is solid throughout. I also feel the longer the film was, the greater impact it will have on audiences as boy does this film pack an emotional punch that hits you right in the feels. I did shed a tear or two!