[Tribeca 2023] LOST SOULZ -- A Charming Hangout Movie With Great Vibes and Solid Music

Review by Sean Boelman

Recent years have seen an increase in the number of movies made that are aimed exclusively at younger audiences like Generation Z. Lost Soulz is a hangout movie made for the younger generation, and while its success rests on how much (or little) you are annoyed by the characters, its vibes are consistently good.

The film follows a group of young musical artists who travel on the road to their next gig, creating music and learning about each other and themselves along the way. It’s a basic premise we’ve seen used dozens of times, but the setup continues to work so long as the approach is sincere and the characters add a fresh and unique spin to the formula.

Indeed, the characters in this movie are likely to be the make-or-break factor in whether audiences vibe with this film or reject it. Because of the characters’ youth, some viewers may find them to be annoying as they talk about things that are clearly beyond their years, but there is something endearing and honest about them nonetheless.

Throughout the movie, the characters talk about a lot of the issues that worry teenagers and young adults, like love and growing up, but also some issues that are more specific to artists. Although nothing that is said here is particularly original, the themes are universal in a way that allows the film to still resonate.

The movie is best described as a mix of a road movie and a hangout movie, which are two of the most laid back genres there are in terms of pacing. That being said, since the film is all about the characters vibing and having a good time, viewers are likely to be vibing and having a good time right along with them.

The music that the characters create in the movie is arguably one of the best parts. The beats are strong, the melodies catchy, and the lyrics often a poetic rumination on the film’s themes. Although none of them are songs that would ever chart, they show that the actors have legitimate talent as musicians and songwriters.

Beyond the music, the movie also boasts some strong cinematography. Given that the film is set throughout Texas, the focus of the camera here is on some stunning desert landscapes, and cinematographer Donald R. Montoe does a great job of capturing them. And during the performance moments, it’s shot almost like a music video.

Lost Soulz might not be a groundbreaking movie, but it’s a fun one with some strong music and some characters that you’ll love to hang out with. Viewers who aren’t able to get on board with the characters may find themselves annoyed, but younger audiences will definitely enjoy this.

Lost Soulz screens at the 2023 Tribeca Festival, which runs June 7-18 in NYC and June 19 through July 2 online.

​Rating: 4/5