Jeff Buckley’s Feminine Muse Illuminated in New Documentary
“It’s Never Over” Explores the Artist’s Deep Connection to Women Who Shaped His Sound
Years after Jeff Buckley‘s untimely death at 30, a new documentary offers a profound look at the women who were central to his life and art. The film, “It’s Never Over,” goes beyond the familiar narrative to highlight the often-overlooked female influences on the iconic musician.
A Holistic Portrait of an Artist
The estate of Jeff Buckley has been prolific since his 1997 passing, releasing numerous compilations, live recordings, and videos. Documentaries and even a biopic have further cemented his legacy. However, director Amy Berg‘s “It’s Never Over” provides a unique perspective, focusing on the foundational role women played in Buckley‘s development.
Echoes of Female Voices
From his earliest years, Buckley was surrounded by the music of powerful female singers. His mother, Mary Guibert, fostered his love for artists like Diana Ross and Judy Garland. In vintage audio, Buckley himself reveals an aspiration, stating, “Secretly, I think I wanted to be Nina Simone.”
This early exposure to feminine artistry clearly resonated deeply.
The documentary also explores Buckley‘s admiration for Pakistani devotional singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, whom he called “my Elvis.”
This broad spectrum of influences, from soulful divas to the raw power of bands like Led Zeppelin and Soundgarden, allowed Buckley to embrace the Jungian concept of anima, integrating his feminine side for a fuller humanity.
A Mother’s Complex Legacy
Mary Guibert, who co-produced the film, guarded her son’s legacy closely. Yet, she allowed Berg to present a candid portrayal of their early life. Guibert, a teenager when Jeff was born to singer Tim Buckley, recounts the abandonment she felt and the ways she, in turn, relied on her young son, a dynamic that would later haunt him.
“There just aren’t words to explain”: Jeff Buckley documentary brings tears to Sundance
— The Guardian (@TheGuardian) January 25, 2025
Buckley‘s relationship with his father, Tim Buckley, was fleeting and fraught with unanswered calls and the eventual tragedy of his father’s early death. Music, the very thing that connected him to his absent father, was also his refuge and inspiration.
Insecurities and Brilliance
Friends and lovers interviewed in the film paint a picture of an artist whose immense talent was matched by profound insecurities. Buckley reportedly struggled with the expectations that came with widespread acclaim, even attempting to suppress his image as one of the “most beautiful” people, as named by People magazine.
Berg also includes poignant voicemails Buckley left for his mother, revealing a complex mix of criticism and deep affection. Friends suggest he may have grappled with undiagnosed bipolar disorder, a difficult reality in the 1990s.
Jeff Buckley would have turned 58 this year. This documentary allows a new generation to understand the multifaceted artist who continues to inspire, his sound and spirit forever captured in song. In the streaming era, his music remains readily accessible, with platforms like Spotify reporting over 10 million monthly listeners for his catalog as of late 2023 (Spotify).
