Conor, 14, is looking for a break from home while trying to adjust to his new inner-city school. He finds a glimmer of hope in the beautiful Raphina, and with the aim of winning her heart he invites her to star in his band’s music videos. There’s only one problem: he’s not part of a band… yet.

Wearing its heart on its sleeve, John Carney’s coming-of-age jukebox musical bursts with a mightily catchy original soundtrack, along with retro earworms. Against the backdrop of an austere 1980s Dublin, the film’s youthful hijinks and aspirations feel deeply affecting in their wholesome naivety.