Fans of Heartstopper are likely to lose their minds when they see Bonus Track, a new British coming-of-age movie about two music-obsessed 16-year-olds, based on a story written by God’s Own Country and Challengers star Josh O’Connor. The movie, which had its world premiere at the 2023 BFI London Film Festival, feels cut from a similarly sensitive and sweet cloth as the hit Netflix series, albeit with a deadpan sense of humour and a little more swearing and drinking.
But what’s this charming and tender new film about? Who are the internet’s new teen heartthrobs? What exactly does Josh O’Connor have to do with it, and when can we see the damn thing? Here’s everything we know about Bonus Track.
What’s the plot of Bonus Track?
Set in 2006 in Luton, a town on the outskirts of London, Bonus Track tells the story of George, an academically incompetent 16-year-old whose only ambitions are to become a professional musician. He’s flunking bad in school — much to the disappointment of his dad, though his mother is more sympathetic — and has little drive to change that. The only way he can prove himself, he thinks, is by showing off his fledgling music skills at the school’s Leaver’s Talent Show. When Max arrives at the school, the son of a world-famous musician, the pair strike up a connection. But while they collaborate on songs that George hopes will force his peers to recognise his talent, a more romantic feeling bubbles beneath the surface.
Who’s in the cast of Bonus Track?
George, the film’s protagonist, is played by Joe Anders, a young newcomer whose only previous screen credits include a brief appearance in 1917 (his dad is its director Sam Mendes; his mother Kate Winslet) and a small role in the TV series I Am. Max is played by Samuel Small, who has previously appeared in the miniseries The Nest, Netflix’s The Strays and the teen TV show So Awkward. Other actors include Jack Davenport and Alison Sudol, who play George’s parents, and Josh O’Connor, who plays a graffiti artist-cum-body piercer called Jonno.
Is there a trailer for Bonus Track?
Not yet – but the BFI London Film Festival has released a short clip. In it, we see an awkward George present his shaky original song to Max.
What did Josh O’Connor do in Bonus Track?
As well as appearing in it briefly, Josh wrote the story for Bonus Track, meaning he was responsible for piecing together the ideas for the script with Mike Gilbert, who then wrote the film in full. Josh also executive produced the film alongside Olly Alexander of Years & Years, who also wrote some original music for the film. Bonus Track is directed by Julia Jackman, who’s made a series of shorts before. This is her feature length directorial debut.
What’s the release date of Bonus Track?
Right now, the film doesn’t have an official release date. But it has been produced by Sky Cinema, so expect to see it in UK cinemas or on Sky Cinema in the near future.