Watch The Crumbles

The Crumbles, released in 2012, is a heartwarming and nostalgic film that follows the journey of a four-piece indie rock band, also called The Crumbles, as they navigate the ups and downs of young adulthood and try to make it in the music industry. The story centers around the two main protagonists, Isa and Juniper, childhood friends who comprise the lead vocals and lead guitar respectively. After a significant rift in their friendship, Isa moves away to college, while Juniper continues to stay in their hometown working random jobs, unable to move on from her dreams of making it big with The Crumbles. But everything changes when Isa returns home from college and the pair decide to reform the band, recruiting two other members, Louie, the drummer, and Joey, the bassist.

As they start performing gigs in small venues, Isa and Juniper face a series of challenges that threaten to break the band apart. There's the internal tension between Isa and Juniper, unresolved feelings between Louie and Juniper, and the pressures of everyday life that make it harder for everyone to keep the band going.

The Crumbles is a coming-of-age story that explores universal themes of friendship, identity, and following your dreams. The lead actors, Katie Hipol and Teresa Michelle Lee, deliver a believable and nuanced portrayal of two young women trying to find their place in the world. Their chemistry on screen is electric, and their vocal performances are impressive, especially in the film's several musical sequences.

Ebony Perry, who plays Louie, brings a refreshing and unique perspective to the film. Louie's character defies stereotypes, being a plus-size woman and a powerhouse drummer who is not afraid to speak her mind. She challenges the band members to confront their own biases and accept her for who she is, making The Crumbles a more inclusive and diverse film.

Director Akira Boch delivers a visually stunning film that captures the essence of a small-town indie music scene. The cinematography and editing are well-executed, creating a sense of intimacy between the audience and the characters. The soundtrack is exceptional, with original music from The Crumbles themselves, alongside other indie artists like Amadou and Mariam and The Haggard.

One of the standout qualities of The Crumbles is its authentic portrayal of what it means to be a struggling indie band. The film takes us behind the scenes of gigs at dive bars, with sound equipment that keeps malfunctioning and unappreciative audiences. It shows the real-life grind of touring, sleeping in cramped vans, and surviving on meager meals. The film's realism also sheds light on the underrepresentation of women and people of color in the music industry, exploring the microaggressions and stereotypes that hinder their progress.

Overall, The Crumbles is a charming and heartfelt indie film that will resonate with anyone who has ever been young and passionate about their dreams. Its themes of friendship, love, and creativity will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

The Crumbles is a 2013 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.