It’s Never Over: Jeff Buckley documentary explores the life of a musical icon
The new feature documentary It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley delves into the life and legacy of the late singer-songwriter, whose untimely death at just 30 years old continues to resonate with fans. The film chronicles Buckley’s path from childhood in Orange County, California, to his rise in New York, culminating in a fatal incident in the Mississippi River that echoed the fate of his father, renowned folk rock artist Tim Buckley, who passed away at 28, reports BritPanorama.
Jeff Buckley, known for his remarkable four-octave voice, gained acclaim with his landmark 1994 album Grace, which features a celebrated cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” The documentary showcases his music’s evolution and the profound impact of his father’s shadow on his life and career.
Directed by Amy Berg and executive-produced by Brad Pitt, the film features never-before-seen home movies and a chronological exploration of Buckley’s life. It includes insights from friends, collaborators, and former romantic partners, such as Joan Wasser and Rebecca Moore, providing a comprehensive view of the complexities and contradictions that defined his character.
Moore, a musician and performance artist, remarked on Buckley’s magnetic presence, stating, “When he spoke to you he made you feel like you were the only person in the room.” However, she also points out Buckley’s multifaceted nature, describing him as someone who could effortlessly shift between vulnerability and apparent overconfidence during performances.
Buckley’s struggles with self-doubt and the pressures of fame are also apparent in the film. Friends recall how he expressed a desire to be recognized for his talents independent of his father’s legacy. “He just felt this sense that ‘a lot of the opportunities I’m getting are because I’m my father’s son,’” Moore reflected, emphasizing the duality of confidence interlaced with imposter syndrome that he grappled with during his career.
The documentary captures significant performances, including a memorable gig at Glastonbury in 1995, while also shedding light on the pressures Buckley faced as his fame escalated. Matt Johnson, a session drummer from the Grace sessions, noted the impact of such pressures on Buckley’s mental health, suggesting that fame may have contributed to a downward spiral in his later years.
In February 1997, seeking escape from the intensity of his New York life, Buckley travelled to Memphis, Tennessee, where he awaited band members for new recordings. His sudden death came when he waded into the Mississippi River while singing Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love.” Speculation about whether his death was an accident or intentional remains, but those close to him, including Wasser and Moore, believe it was an unintended tragedy rather than a planned exit from life.
Despite his struggles, friends describe Buckley as motivated and hopeful about his future. Moore emphasizes that he was excited about the possibility of his next album allowing him to step out of his father’s shadow, asserting, “He felt like he had the time to prove to everyone that he was at least as worthwhile as his dad, if not more.”
It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley is released in cinemas nationwide on Friday.
