#SUNDANCE: “NOTHING COMPARES”

By Amanda Gilmore

This in-depth Documentary examines Sinéad OʼConnorʼs phenomenal rise to worldwide fame and how she used her voice at the height of her stardom, leading to her being exiled from the pop mainstream.

Director Kathryn Ferguson focuses on the years 1987 to 1993, when O’Connor made headlines repeatedly. This spans the years where O’Connor was establishing herself as an artist up to the moment on SNL that changed everything. Ferguson boldly makes this an archival footage Documentary with a new interview with O’Connor. Thus, reminding us of her nonconformist personality and passionate views while allowing us to hear her reflection decades later.

Nothing Compares is O’Connor’s story is told through a contemporary feminist lens. Ferguson draws the parallels between the ’80s and ’90s to today. What emerges is a study of a woman before her time. Today we have pop superstars who freely state their political and social views, and are adored for it. However, in the early ’90s, the world persecuted O’Connor for her’s.

Overall, Nothing Compares is a bold documentary just like its subject. Through this story comes themes of abuse, mental health, misogyny and more. Additionally, it works as a critique of how the views within a society and the media change. These changes are better for today’s world, but they’ve still hindered those of the past.

Nothing Compares screens virtually at Sundance:

Premiere: Jan. 21 at 8PM EST
Second Screening: Jan. 23 at 10AM (available for 24hrs)