John Carney, who has delivered great musically-themed films like Once, Begin Again and Sing Street has the International Premiere of his latest film, Flora and Son at TIFF this year. Apple Films has its distribution and will be carrying it on Apple+ as of 29 September. So if you miss it at the Festival, be patient, because this one is worth it.

In Ireland, single mother Flora (Eve Hewson) seems to be at war with her teen son, Max (Oren Kinlan) on a daily basis. They live in a tiny apartment and both are selfish in their own ways, but Flora is beginning to realize that this isn’t the narrative that she wants for her life. She wants more, and to do so, she’s going to learn how to play guitar.

After perusing the internet, she finds an online tutor, a singer-songwriter in LA, Jeff (Joseph Gordon-Levitt). A little bit of flirtation suggests the possibility of romance for the two, but Max is the man in her life who needs the most help, and she realizes he has his own musical talents.

Together the pair begin to connect and create together. In fact, the relationships between Max and Flora and Flora and Jeff are brought to life beautifully, and you feel as each hurt and each joy promises to take them apart or bring them together,

Carney charmed me with Once, delighted me with Begin Again, and made me long for the 80s (more than usual) with Sing Street. Flora and Son is a beautiful story about mothers and may have just become my favourite of his works.

The choices Flora makes for her family, for herself and her son are all of weight and will affect everything that happens, and you understand why she makes them and can relate to each and every moment she finds herself in.

He and Gary Clark Jr. wrote the original songs for the film, and like in Sing Street, they stay with you, and you find yourself wanting to listen to them again. Happily, the soundtrack will be available on the 15th.

A celebration of music, the power of that three-minute pause in the universe to lose oneself in melody lyrics, and love, Flora and Son continues Carney’s fantastic tradition of telling emotionally resonant tales lifted by great original songs that pack a punch.

Flora and Son is a delight, and a wonderful little musical escape that celebrates mothers and the sacrifices they make.

Check out this wonderful little musical gem on Tuesday 12 September at Roy Thomson Hall, Wednesday 13 and Saturday 16 September at Scotiabank. Get tickets and check out the rest of TIFF’s schedule here.