Director: Sam A. Davis
Writer: Improvised Dialogue A cast of performers includes: Michael Young, Chris Smither, Judah Kelly, Will Harrington
Based on a short story by Russian novelist Ivan Turgenev, patrons of a local bar take part in an impromptu singing contest for the prize of $100 and a free beer. What follows is a melody of improvised performances that lights up both the dowdy looking bar and the dejected lives of its patrons.
When a film cast is given the chance to completely improvise their performance, magic happens and The Singers is no exception. Director Sam A Davis pored through the vast social media ocean to assemble a troupe of performers who blend raw talent with lived-in character, perfectly capturing the essence of Turgenev’s reflective short story.
In the original tale, the events of the bar are narrated by a wealthy hunter observing snapshot moments of peasant life. Davis’s film cleverly dispenses with this narrator, instead placing the audience in the non-participatory seat. We become the silent observers. Unlike Turgenev’s nobleman, we aren’t looking down on these patrons; we’re sitting right next to them. This shift makes the connection more visceral; while the hunter in the story is surprised by the joy found in “downtrodden” lives, modern viewers are more likely to recognize themselves in the struggle and the eventual release of the contest.
Updating a Classic with a Modern Lens
Davis’s choice to let a cast of viral superstars improvise their dialogue adds a layer of authentic spontaneity. The chatter is a mix of cheeky charm, dark humor, and somber reflections that feels earned rather than scripted. Crucially, the music isn’t forced; the singing is eased into the narrative, allowing the atmosphere to thicken naturally before the first note is even struck.
The Setting: A Lingering Crawl to Death
The setting for this collective vocal showdown is a dingy, dour bar which, like some of its patrons, has seen better days. The palette of gold and brown, hazed by cigarette smoke, emits hints of decay, a sad reminder of what was once bright and full of life now on a lingering crawl to death. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the jadedness of life’s journey, a theme echoed in the patrons’ choice of songs.
The response to the challenge begins with lighthearted joshing, but the magic soon brings the grimly lit bar to life. The songs chosen reveal each singer’s private history. A terminally ill Chris Smithers delivers a haunting ‘House of the Rising Sun,’ while piano maestro Will Harrington surprises the room with a rendition of ‘It Hurts Me Too,’ the ultimate ballad of unrequited love. When Mike Young stirs hearts with ‘Unchained Melody,’ the common thread becomes clear: an unravelling of male vulnerability and insecurity. This is where the film’s heart lies conveyed through the transformative power of music.
A Resonance That Lingers
Ultimately, The Singers is more than just a showcase for vocal talent; it’s a poignant study of the human condition. Sam A Davis has succeeded in stripping away the pretension of the “music film,” leaving behind something far more fragile and honest. When the final note fades into the smoky air, the film leaves the audience with a profound sense of shared humanity. In a world that often feels fractured,
The Singers reminds us that a simple melody, shared in a dark room, is still the shortest distance between two souls. Even when life seems at its darkest there is light and joy. It isn’t just a highlight of the Oscar shortlist; it’s a necessary watch for anyone who has ever found salvation through music.
Join the Conversation
What did you think of The Singers? Does Sam A Davis’s raw, improvised approach hit the right notes for yours? With the awards race heating up do you think The Singers could be victorious at the Oscars in the best live action short category?
I’d love to hear your predictions! Let me know in the comments below. You can also head over to the Cine Bijou on Bluesky, Threads, and Instagram to share your thoughts with our growing community of cinephiles.