#REVIEW: “SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE”

By Mr. Will Wong

Scott Cooper directs SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE, adapted from Warren Zane‘s Biography of the same name. While this might not be the complete Bruce Springsteen Biopic that some are expecting, it hones-in on a critical timeframe in The Boss’ legendary career, just as he was poised for superstardom. Red-hot Jeremy Allen White gets the prime assignment of portraying Springsteen and does it masterfully.

We meet Springsteen here hot off his hit “Hungry Heart”, as he heads back to Colts Neck, New Jersey, where he grew-up as a child.  He is laying low, capturing inspiration in re-visiting his old home which housed some painful memories as his father (Stephen Graham) was abusive to him and his mother (Gaby Hoffman).

He is going through a dark phase, finding inspiration in unlikely places and people including serial killer Charles Starkweather.  Determined to channel his feelings into his art, he quietly records an album in the bedroom of his rental home. While these initially are meant to be demos, he’s never quite able to recreate the feelings again of what he recorded on cassette tape. Together with the help of his manager Jon Landau (Jeremy Strong), he’s determined to get the cassette tape mastered and upscaled so that it can be pressed into vinyl for a commercial release.  His label CBS, might have other thoughts on this as Springsteen is about to reach a real commercial breakthrough.  Releasing this very non-commercial Folk album, eventually known as “Nebraska“, could have destroyed the momentum.

The Film also looks at some of Springsteen‘s most pivotal relationships, including father-son dynamics in his partnership with his manager, and actual biological father. Scott focuses his lens on the unresolved trauma Springsteen was coping with from his childhood, which trickles into his adult life, stunting his ability to be in a relationship, told here in fictional character Fay (Odessa Young). And hence, our hero must confront his toughest battle yet, and it doesn’t even involve playing a single note or playing to a stadium. He must confront his own demons.

For an Artist who’s given us plenty of feel-good songs, this Film doesn’t always feel quite like that. What it does give us is a proper glimpse into the person who Springsteen is and the challenges he’s faced. White is formidable, nailing the emotions and musicality the role demands, effectively conveying Springsteen‘s omnipresence.

Though we’re still waiting on that big celebratory Biopic about this certified Rock God one day, this taught us a lot about a timeframe leading up to what would propel Springsteen into a megastar.

20th Century Studios Canada release SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE in theatres (including IMAX) October 24, 2025.

 

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