Jeremy Allen white’s Springsteen Portrayal Draws Rave Reviews, film Hailed as Unique Biopic
Telluride, CO – Early reviews are pouring in for Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, a new film focusing on Bruce Springsteen’s creative process during the making of his seminal album Nebraska.Critics are particularly praising Jeremy Allen White‘s performance as “The Boss,” with many noting his nuanced approach avoids simple imitation.
The film distinguishes itself from typical rock biopics by eschewing a cradle-to-superstardom narrative, instead concentrating on a “soul-searching moment” in Springsteen’s life, according to Variety’s Peter Debruge. Debruge highlights White’s ability to embody Springsteen’s aesthetic and vocal style, stating he ”slips easily into the worn denim and sleeveless T-shirts” and “does all his own singing, capturing the scratchy, soul-searching baritone that marked that period of his career.”
other performances are also receiving meaningful acclaim. The Hollywood Reporter’s Scott Feinberg notes that Jeremy Strong delivers “another transformative turn” as Jon Landau, while Elisabeth Young is described as “charming and vulnerable.” Daniels,writing for GoldDerby.com, observed that White portrays Springsteen as “pained, tortured and fearful,” translating these emotions through “bulging facial features and his stammering delivery.” Daniels further praised Strong’s performance as offering “the most tender performance of his career,” adding that he “never overplays Landau’s support, allowing his eyes to transmit kindness.”
Feinberg acknowledges the film’s attention to detail and accuracy in depicting the Nebraska era, but questions whether audiences will connect with a story focused on this specific period, rather than Springsteen’s broader career. despite this, he predicts all three lead actors - White, Strong, and Young – will be “strong contenders for Oscar nominations.”
Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere is being positioned as a departure from recent, Oscar-recognized rock biopics like Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman, and Elvis, with reviewers emphasizing its focus on depression and artistic struggle.