I come from an era when the gift of a mixtape meant so much, so I know of their magic. A mixed tape lies at the heart of new movie, Press Play, a sweet time travel romance written and produced by Josh Boone. With direction and screenplay from Greg Bjorkman , this story is a reminder of a gentle time when young love blossoms. Set in Hawaii, Press Play tells the love story of Harrison and Laura, who fittingly meet in a record store before fate strikes a fatal blow. Will their love transcend space and time?
The Story
Laura (Clara Rugaard from I Am Mother) and Harrison (Lewis Pullman from Maverick) have a picture – perfect romance built on their shared love of music. After a deadly accident, Laura is given the chance to save the love of her life when she discovers that their mixtape can transport her back in time. Press Play reminds us that love can always be replayed.
The story begins when Laura meets Harrison in the record store where he works in the Summer. This store just happens to be owned by Cooper ( Danny Glover, of Lethal Weapon fame). In the store are a wall of mixtapes. Mixtapes are a symbol of love set to music. As Harrison says, “ With records and tapes you have this tangible thing right in front of you and you get to flip it.”
The whirlwind romance between this medical student and talented artist, is set up by Harrison’s stepsister, Chloe (Lyrica Okano) before the cruel hand of fate intervenes. A heartbroken Laura, with the guidance of Cooper, must get to the right spot on the tape to change the future, but will doing so also affect the past?
The Songs
One of the highlights of the film for me was the killer soundtrack with songs from Japanese Breakfast, Flaming Lips, Father John Missy, Dayglow and more. The track ‘ Do You Realise ‘ will be stuck in your mind long after the credits roll and is a perfect song with which to show the love between Laura and Harrison. It will remind you of your own favourite songs and how the power of music can transcend space and time.
The Setting
Filmed in Oahu, Hawaii the setting is breathtaking with sunshine, the beach, waves and surfing a feature. The Hawaiian architecture will also amaze viewers with its beauty. You will want to book a trip there straight after watching the movie. It’s like a love letter to this beautiful part of the world.
Press Play will appeal to lovers of romance and audiences who like me , who grew up enamoured by Back To the Future and The Time Traveller’s Wife. Music can remind us of the ones we love and the times we have lived through and this lovely film will have your emotions swirling. It reminds us that most of us only get one shot at love so we need to hold it close. Press Play will be in cinemas nationally from 28 July.
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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