I still haven’t seen even half of the very highly rated musicals out there – and I doubt I will. Especially since musicals aren’t my favourite genre. However, to my surprise, I’ve found my most loved musical to date in The Greatest Showman.

Based on the true story of P.T Barnum, a visionary who rose from nothing to create the mesmerising spectacle known as the circus, I found so much to love about this film. The music – of course, the costumes, humour, choreography, performances and themes; I enjoyed it all.

I found that I appreciate The Greatest Showman even more because of the way it speaks to the part of me that chooses to live life on my own terms, regardless of what society expects of me. This is a film about a person who took the risk and followed his vision to make his dreams a reality. In this way, director Michael Gracey’s film belongs in the same entrepreneurship loving space that Jon Favreau’s Chef (2014) occupies in my heart.

It’s generally no secret that the real P.T. Barnum wasn’t exactly a perfect human being. Additionally, not every character in this film actually existed. Yet my, oh my is this version of the story beautiful.

Zac Efron, Hugh Jackman, Zendeya and Michelle Williams all deliver good performances. As does Rebecca Ferguson. Particularly the moment we all get to hear her character’s singing voice. A scene that is arguably the most arresting. A true wow moment. 

You’ve very already seen this but if you haven’t, watch The Greatest Showman for all the seemingly endless reasons above and you may just find yourself inspired. 

Happy Film Loving

G