Once in a generation, or twice if we’re lucky, a person emerges on the world wide stage with endless imagination, tireless drive and a mind that just won’t quit. Lin Manuel Miranda is our shooting star. He seems to leap from the amazing to the miraculous in a blink. Time and again. And his first offering as a director does not disappoint.

In 1996, Jonathan Larson’s little musical Rent debuts and becomes a Broadway smash. This is not the story of that success. This is the story of Jonathan Larson and his passion project that never saw the light of day yet it sparked a movement within Larson’s own soul.

Jonathan Larson was a brilliant writer. He was smart, gifted and driven but that did not mean he was an overnight success. tick, tick …BOOM! is he story of his struggle to meet his own expectations while striving to see his dream fulfilled. While this film was written by Steven Levenson, it is based on the songs and writings of Larson himself.

Andrew Garfield portrays Larson brilliantly. His singing is out of the world and he connects with the soul of Larson on a spiritual level that is sublime. Garfield’s performance is enhanced with Miranda’s deep connection to Larson and his love for the theatre community. All of this comes together for a truly inspiring film.

Nominated for an Oscar, tick, tick … Boom! is chock full of wonderful cameos. From Broadway legends like Bernadette Peters and Bebe Neuwirth to current masters of the stage like Philippa Soo and Renee Elise Goldsberry to one of my personal favourites, Bradley Whitford, this film has a ridiculous riches of talent. These, and many more Broadway veterans came together to pay tribute to Larson in the most beautiful way.

Theatre buffs and feel-good movie junkies alike will LOVE this flick. Its brilliant, heart-warming, inspiring and unbelievably smart. But more than this, tick, tick … BOOM! is a story that connects with our humanity and hope. Don’t miss it. Streaming now on Netflix.