The film begins with Judy clicking her heels, transporting viewers to a world filled with sadness and self-destruction. Somewhere beyond the rainbow lies Judy Garland—a young actress who quickly rose to fame after appearing in films. She possessed an angelic voice and was MGM’s prized star. However, behind the glamorous productions and that seemingly perfect smile lay intense pressure. She became a pliable puppet controlled by Hollywood executives, treated as a product rather than a person. Her individuality was exploited, manipulated into believing she wasn't attractive. Subjected to starvation, drug use, and relentless work schedules, this was Judy Garland’s harsh reality. The sparkle and iconic voice were merely disguises hiding deep-seated pain. Sadly, her difficult childhood and early fame contributed to a life of alcohol and substance abuse; the yellow brick road proved far from golden. Goold's biopic (which also draws inspiration from the Broadway play) portrays her later career, forcing her into a farewell tour in London after proving unreliable in America—a consequence of her struggles with substances. She stumbled back into the spotlight she clearly craved, driven by an undeniable desire for fame and legendary status. While battling for custody of her children, she felt torn between motherhood and her profession, which was all she’d ever known. Edge's screenplay, though sometimes superficial—resembling a biographical article more than a deeply personal story—effectively explored the dangers of early fame and the silencing of a young woman, exploited by studio executives who viewed her as an asset rather than a human being. The film follows a predictable biopic structure, and Goold’s mix of light and dark moments evoked comparisons to ‘My Week With Marilyn’. Moments showcasing fans expressing their adoration amplified Garland's star power, fueling her search for validation. Yet the sadness persisted; Goold’s consistently bleak tone, while occasionally bordering on melodrama, emphasized Garland’s impact. Few things are more tragic than watching someone destroy themselves, and Goold rarely diverted attention from this devastating reality. Ultimately, the film hinges on the central performance. The actress dominates every scene, pouring her heart into the role. Zellweger *became* Judy Garland, embodying her flawlessly from the opening credits. I would be truly disappointed if she didn’t receive awards for her work; it's not only a career highlight but arguably the best of the year. She captured all the nuances, the voice, and even the erratic movements. It was easy to forget I was watching an actress—during that final rendition of “Over The Rainbow,” my eyes welled up. It felt cathartic, like a resurrection, almost divine. Goold chose to film many scenes in one take, which is commendable for its artistic integrity; however, it made the lip-syncing noticeably obvious and distracting. This didn’t detract from Zellweger's remarkable performance, though. Rising talent Buckley also deserves recognition for her clear and delicate portrayal, providing a stark contrast to Garland's chaotic nature. I would have liked to see more of Gambon and Sewell, but it was apparent that the film centered around Zellweger’s character. The movie wouldn't function without her. Judy has never been portrayed with such empathy before, representing quality over spectacle. It isn’t extravagant or showy—it is simply honest. Garland would have undoubtedly been proud, and she will not be forgotten. Be sure to bring tissues.

Source on TMDB