I had high hopes for this film, and initially, things seemed promising. The opening scene, with an impressive musical exchange between the title character, Joseph, played by Kelvin Harrison Jnr., and Mozart himself, portrayed by Joseph Prowen, was captivating. It included some truly remarkable spontaneous musical moments that made me believe I was about to see something special. Unfortunately, my expectations weren't met. What followed was a rather slow-moving dramatic story that felt comparable to a particularly music-focused episode of "Versailles." The film centers on Joseph, born out of wedlock to a plantation owner and one of his slaves, who possesses a remarkable musical gift that his father wants him to cultivate. He’s moved from Guadeloupe to Paris where he has to learn how to succeed – to be exceptional. During this time, he becomes acquainted with Marie Antoinette (Lucy Boynton) and is considered for the position of musical director at the Opera de Paris. However, there's a rival, leading the Queen to decide on a competition. Joseph enlists the talented marquise Marie-Josephine (Samara Weaving, who feels somewhat detached in her role) to sing in his opera, but her husband, a threatening marquis played by Martin Csokas, isn’t pleased and soon young Joseph finds himself facing shame, embarrassment, and a decline in his standing at court. Eventually, he becomes involved with the revolutionary activities of his friend Philippe (Alex Fitzalan), leading up to a significant conclusion. The film is visually appealing, and the musical segments are stirring and well-crafted. My main issues lie with the narrative and, generally, the performances. Much of it feels underwhelming. There’s an excess of dialogue and romantic situations that we recognize as risky and irresponsible, but these elements ultimately dilute the impact of a story about desire, prejudice, politics, and influence. I didn't dislike it, but I had hoped for—and truly wanted—something closer in spirit to "Amadeus" (1984).

Source on TMDB