American Symphony

This intimate documentary from director Matthew Heineman focuses on Oscar-winning musician Jon Batiste. At the 64th Grammy Awards, he's nominated for 11 awards: eight for his fifth studio album, We Are, and three for his music for Pixar film Soul. However, on the same day as the announcement, Batiste's partner Suleika Jaouad discovers that her leukaemia has returned after a decade in remission. A prolonged stay in a New York hospital provides the harrowing backdrop to Batiste's attempt to compose a symphony that breaks the classical mould, while also reflecting the cultural diversity of his homeland. With Covid also entering the equation, the film's focus feels understandably diffracted. The toll on Batiste is clear, and Heineman struggles to coax him into lowering his defences for the documentary. Yet the music is moving, Jaouad's courage is humbling, and Batiste's ability to create and perform at a consistently high level during such a difficult time is nothing short of inspirational.