‘Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere’ Review – Reverberation From The Past Humanizes An American Icon

Synopsis: From 20th Century Studios, “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere” chronicles the making of Bruce Springsteen’s 1982 “Nebraska” album. Recorded on a 4-track recorder in Springsteen’s New Jersey bedroom, the album marked a pivotal time in his life and is considered one of his most enduring works—a raw, haunted acoustic record populated by lost souls searching for a reason to believe.

There’s a darkness that lies within us all. While some choose to let it negatively consume them, manifesting itself in hate and violence, others are aware and can harness it and use it constructively. Whether it’s creative endeavors, sports, or self-help, there are healthy ways and avenues to exercise those inner demons. Fortunately, if none of that interests you, the best thing you can do is talk to someone. We all relate to each other more than we admit, and there are a variety of people, regardless of station, who are going through or feeling the same things. Find a way to connect. This is the way.

“I want it to feel like I’m in the room by myself.”

There are musical artists that everyone knows, and then there are those who help define an era. Bruce Springsteen is the latter. Written and directed by Scott Cooper, Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere is not your typical biopic. While most focus on the entirety of a career or the life and struggles that led to stardom, this film instead captures a specific and mysterious timeline of significance that gave birth to an album unlike anything The Boss had ever released. As it weaves childhood trauma into the film’s present, the reverberation from the past humanizes an American icon. Featuring a stripped-down narrative and somber atmosphere, the dramatic snapshot achieves substance over flash. However, that lack of fire alienates anyone unfamiliar with Springsteen’s music, leaving one to gather from context as to why the album, Nebraska, was of any importance.

While this dark, meditative peek into the mind of a living legend thrives on demystifying and relatability, it mostly feels like a cult film for a cult following. Based on the book Deliver Me from Nowhere by Warren Zanes, diehard fans and music history buffs will rejoice. This arcane chapter delves into the granular and presents the pain, inspiration, and depression that forged the raw, uncompromising passion that is Nebraska. Despite knowing very little about the Born in the U.S.A. singer, his startling, unexpected melancholy and gloom are something many will resonate with. Carried by fantastic performances by Jeremy Allen White, Jeremy Strong, and Odessa Young, this mental health journey doesn’t necessarily wow, but it is an eye-opener and a motivator.

“The quiet can get a little loud.”

If you’re expecting a bunch of performances, unfortunately, you will not get your way. While there are a handful of performances, they aren’t as long as you’d want them to be. This may be a film about a musician, but this story is about how it was crafted and why it was such a departure from the rest of his catalog at that time. Encapsulated by a juxtaposition of hushed wardrobe and set design with the vibrancy of the ’80s, its moodiness fills the air. The storytelling is as reluctant as Bruce is, as he navigates the only fictionalized aspect of the film, the relationship to Odessa Young’s Faye Romano. Representing a life he could have and clearly wants is continuously uprooted by a need for parental validation. Nevertheless, the dark clouds of sadness are pierced by the warmth of his genuine friendship with Jon Landau, played by Jeremy Strong.

Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere is technically sound and full of depth, and while it does have its moments of humor, if you’re looking for excitement, this isn’t for you. Its rewatchablity is low.

Pace & Pop

The contemplative and explorative nature of the film naturally leads to a slower pace. What pops more than anything is the relatability. If you’ve ever struggled with or had random bouts of depression, by the time the credits roll, you will feel seen and validated.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Jeremy Allen White (Bruce Springsteen), Jeremy Strong (Jon Landau), Paul Walter Hauser
(Mike Batlan), Stephen Graham (Doug Springsteen), Odessa Young (Faye Romano), David
Krumholtz (Al Teller), Gaby Hoffmann (Adele Springsteen), Harrison Sloan Gilbertson (Matt
Delia), Grace Gummer (Barbara Landau), Marc Maron (Chuck Plotkin), Matthew Pellicano Jr.
(Young Bruce)

This is a film where you come for the title but stay for the performances. Jeremy Allen White embodies the spirit of Springsteen while refusing to do a paint-by-numbers impression. However, there are occasions where I can’t help but think, that’s just Lip from Shameless. Great nonetheless. Jeremy Strong’s performance shows just how great a friend Jon Landau was to Bruce. Ride or die, through and through. Their chemistry felt incredibly genuine. Odessa Young brings out the emotional complexity of the film as Faye. She’s the unexpected and the compass left behind. While there isn’t much levity, when present, it comes from Paul Walter Hauser. Hauser seems to always effortlessly and subtly bring a lightness to every role. There could be some award contenders in this bunch.

Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere hits theaters on October 24, 2025. Stay safe and listen to women.

Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 1h 59m Director: Scott Cooper Writer: Scott Cooper Based on the Book Deliver Me from Nowhere by: Warren Zanes Producers: Scott Cooper, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Eric Robinson, Scott Stuber Executive Producers: Tracey Landon, Jon F. Vein, Warren Zanes Director of Photography: Masanobu Takayanagi, ASC Production Designer: Stefania Cella Editor: Pamela Martin, ACE Costume Designer: Kasia Walicka Maimone Original Score: Jeremiah Fraites Executive Music Producer: Dave Cobb Casting: Francine Maisler, CSA