Olivia Rodrigo: Driving Home 2 U

Olivia Rodrigo was in the Hollywood scene for years as a child actress, but it wasn’t until her smash hit “Driver’s License” that she was launched into ultimate stardom.

Rodrigo treks from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles to revisit where she recorded her debut album “Sour.” She is able to reflect on each song and the state she was in during the writing process. Add in a grainy photo filter that will make Gen Z go insane, and director Stacey Lee creates a mood-infused performance film.

While this is a sweet film, it feels incredible staged with each set up and costume change. It would have worked better if Lee caught more organic moments of Rodrigo reflecting on the album that changed her life. The archival footage mixed with the new versions of her hit songs work well together, but the staged reflection shots feel a little odd.

The highlight of this film are the performances. From a string quarter version of “Good 4 U” to a grunge “Jealousy Jealousy”, Rodrigo showcases her range as a performer. Each performance feels intimate and serves to further explore the story of “Sour.” The perfect film to put on with a group of friends and reminisce on the simple days of Sour”s debut.