WDR 2 New Films: Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere – Film Tip – Radio

That’s what it’s about

At the beginning of the 1980s, Bruce Springsteen was a star in the USA. The song “Hungry Heart” has already landed in the top ten, and his record company is pushing for the next mass-market hit. But Springsteen struggles with his past and withdraws more and more, tormented by depression.

In his bedroom, 15 acoustic songs are created under the simplest conditions. These songs were originally supposed to be demos for his new album, but Springsteen wants to make them his own album. Against the will of the record company, the lyrics and sound are far too dark.

The raw music with lyrics that come from Springsteen’s deepest inner being is celebrated by the audience. The fundamentally honest album is the first step towards healing for the singer.

That’s really what it’s all about

Getting close to the artist and his music through a short, intense period of Springsteen’s life.

They play along

Jeremy Allen White (“The Bear”) plays Bruce Springsteen, Jeremy Strong plays manager Jon Landau. Odessa Young stars as friend Faye.

That’s what cinema critic Andrea Burtz says

Over a short, intense period of his life, director Scott Cooper (“Crazy Heart”) brings us closer to Bruce Springsteen and his artistic soul. Serious internal struggles transform “The Boss” into a groundbreaking acoustic album.

Jeremy Allen White plays the musician, plagued by demons from the past, as a serious, withdrawn young man who only explodes on stage. Jeremy Strong is convincing as a sensitive manager who knows how to protect his friend and his talent.

The black-and-white flashbacks to Springsteen’s childhood fit into the plot in an explanatory manner – usually without many words.

In his biopic, director Scott Cooper concentrates on the creative process and reveals intimate moments of an artist’s life – that’s extremely exciting! It shows Springsteen as a driven man in search of authenticity. According to the singer, only the “real thing” makes sense to him. And isn’t truthfulness still what defines “The Boss”‘s music today?

“Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere” – a great portrait of the musician. A bit like Springsteen himself – raw and touching at the same time.

The rating at a glance

Five out of five stars

Biopic, USA 2025

Director: Scott Cooper

Long: 119 minutes

From 12 years

Cinema release: 23.10.2025