‘It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley’ review: Full of Grace and heartstrings | Sundance 2025

Directed by Amy Berg, It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley captures the haunting beauty and heartbreak of a voice still echoing long after his time.

Few voices can pierce through time like Jeff Buckley’s, and It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley opens with the kind of haunting allure that demands you stop and listen. Director Amy Berg plunges us into the ethereal world of a musician whose melodies were as enigmatic as the man himself. Early on, the doc presents a montage of Buckley’s early performances, his voice rising like smoke in dimly lit venues, a “diamond in the rough” gleaming with raw, unpolished brilliance. It’s a spellbinding introduction that sets the tone for an intimate exploration of a life that burned brightly and faded far too soon. As the story unfolds, the film reveals the intricate web of familial ties, personal struggles, and unrelenting self-expression that shaped Buckley’s artistry in the 90s.

Central to the narrative is Buckley’s intricate relationship with his mother, Mary Guibert. The film portrays Guibert not just as a supportive parent but as a pivotal figure in Buckley’s life, influencing his musical path and personal development. Through candid interviews and personal anecdotes, we gain insight into their bond, marked by both profound love and underlying tensions. This relationship is further complicated by the looming shadow of Buckley’s father, Tim Buckley, a renowned musician who was largely absent from his son’s life. The documentary delves into Jeff’s internal battle to reconcile with his father’s legacy, a struggle that often manifested in his music and personal relationships.

The film doesn’t shy away from exploring Buckley’s complex interactions with the women in his life. Interviews with former partners, including Rebecca Moore and Joan Wasser, paint a picture of a man who oscillated between being a sensitive confidant and exhibiting a “mojo pin” of possessiveness. These personal accounts shed light on his multifaceted personality, revealing a man who was both deeply empathetic and, at times, emotionally tumultuous and even toxic. The documentary also touches upon Buckley’s mental health struggles, suggesting a battle with inner demons that, while never officially diagnosed, seemed to haunt him throughout his life.

The documentary is a treasure trove for fans, featuring never-before-seen footage and exclusive voice messages that offer a window into Buckley’s world. However, the film’s structure is a bit disjointed, with certain segments interspersed in a manner that disrupts the narrative flow. This scatterbrained approach, perhaps an attempt to mirror Buckley’s musical journey, occasionally leaves the viewer grasping for coherence. Despite this, the raw emotion conveyed through the archival materials ensures that the film remains a poignant tribute to Buckley’s legacy.

Musically, the documentary is a testament to Buckley’s unparalleled talent. Performances of songs from his seminal album Grace are interwoven throughout, each track serving as a chapter in his life’s story. The haunting rendition of “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over” underscores his yearning for connection, while “Last Goodbye” eerily foreshadows his untimely demise. These musical interludes not only showcase his vocal prowess but also provide insight into his emotional landscape, making the documentary a must-watch for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

And then there’s his haunting rendition of “Hallelujah,” which was my only note of familiarity with the artist going into this documentary. The film employs the track twice, both times emphasizing why it’s stood out among the other covers, complete with a nice little touch of what Buckley actually thought of the song.

Overall, It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley is a heartfelt homage to a musician whose life was as fleeting as a “morning theft.” While the documentary’s structure may have you tuning out at times, its emotional depth and the richness of its archival content offer a compelling portrait of an artist who left an indelible mark on the music world. A tremendous double feature with The Velvet Underground, if you like. Either way, Buckley’s “Last Goodbye” certainly has a new doc to call home.

It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley had its world premiere at the Sundance 2025 Film Festival. Find more of our Sundance 2025 coverage here.