Blue Moon (2025) Review: A Poignant Portrait of Lyricist Lorenz Hart

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Introduction

Blue Moon is a 2025 autobiographical film directed by Richard Linklater and written by Robert Kaplow. It delves into the life of lyricist Lorenz Hart, capturing his internal struggle on the night following the triumphant Broadway premiere of “Oklahoma!”

Plot Summary

Set in March 1943, the film follows Lorenz Hart, a famous but fading lyricist, as he attends the post-premiere gathering at Sardi’s bar. Haunted by the success of “Oklahoma!,” Hart wrestles with a torrent of negative emotions.

For years, Hart formed a successful songwriting duo with Richard Rodgers. However, Hart’s alcoholism made him unreliable, leading Rodgers to collaborate with a new lyricist, Oscar Hammerstein II. Their resulting musical, “Oklahoma!,” becomes a career-defining hit. Hart is devastated and jealous, yet he attempts to appear supportive of his friend, hoping to win back his trust for a future collaboration.

Meanwhile, Hart confesses his infatuation with his 20-year-old protégé, Elizabeth, a Yale student. This creates a poignant conflict, as Hart is homosexual. His powerful emotions for her become a central inspiration. The night represents not just the celebration of “Oklahoma!,” but also Hart’s fragile hope that his platonic friendship with Elizabeth might blossom into romance.

The narrative unfolds almost entirely within Sardi’s, where Hart engages in revealing discussions with the bartender Eddie, an enlisted piano player named Morty, writer E.B. White, Rodgers, and Elizabeth.

Character Analysis

Primary Characters:

Lorenz Hart (Ethan Hawke): A brilliant yet troubled lyricist burdened by alcoholism, loneliness, and a sense of obsolescence. He masks his jealousy over the success of “Oklahoma!” with a desperate, supportive facade, aiming to rebuild his partnership with Rodgers.
Richard Rodgers (Andrew Scott): Hart’s former partner, now enjoying disciplined success with Oscar Hammerstein II. He is sympathetic yet reluctant to resume working with Hart due to the latter’s unreliability.
Elizabeth (Margaret Qualley): Hart’s ethereal 20-year-old protégé and unrequited love interest. Her presence profoundly affects Hart, making him question his own identity and desires.

Secondary Characters:

Eddie (Bobby Cannavale): The bartender and Hart’s confidant, who agrees to withhold alcohol and becomes a sounding board for Hart’s turmoil.
E.B. White: A writer Hart admires; their conversations often circle back to Hart’s feelings for Elizabeth.
Oscar Hammerstein II: Rodgers’ new lyricist, who politely represents Hart’s professional replacement.
Morty: An enlisted piano player at the bar who interacts with Hart and Eddie.

Acting Performances

Ethan Hawke delivers a mesmerizing and emotionally raw performance as Lorenz Hart, masterfully conveying his vulnerability and despair. Bobby Cannavale is excellent as Eddie, with his chemistry with Hawke feeling authentic and grounded. Andrew Scott provides a convincing, understated performance as Rodgers, subtly highlighting the cracks in the duo’s friendship. Margaret Qualley is well-cast as the ethereal Elizabeth, though her performance, while solid, may not rank among her most standout work.

Direction & Cinematography

Richard Linklater’s direction seamlessly blends theatrical and cinematic elements, expertly utilizing the single location of Sardi’s bar. The film relies heavily on Hawke’s performance, which is perfectly complemented by the technical craft. Intimate close-ups emphasize Hart’s vulnerability and isolation. The cinematography employs warm tones and dim lighting, authentically evoking the 1940s nightlife and the film’s introspective mood.

Conclusion

Blue Moon concludes on a note of quiet, peaceful melancholy, leaving the viewer with a profound sense of nostalgia. It is a finely crafted character study that explores the agony of faded glory and unfulfilled longing through a masterful central performance.

Blue Moon is streaming now on various digital and VOD platforms

Details

• Rating Certificate: R (for language and sexual references.)
• Studios & Distributors: Sony Pictures Classics | Renovo Media Group | Detour Pictures | Wild Atlantic Pictures | Cinetic Media | Not to Be Seen Productions | Under the Influence Productions | Concord Originals | Sony Pictures Classics | Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
• Director: Richard Linklater
• Written By: Robert Kaplow | Lorenz Hart | Elizabeth Weiland
• Country: United States | Ireland
• Language: English | Hebrew
• Run Time: 100 Mins.
• Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
• Release Date: 24 October 2025