Sing street

• Opening of the film

  • Conor sits in his room and sings a song based on an argument that his parents are having
  • This sets the tone of the film, letting us know that the family are in the middle of a crisis
• Conor's parents: '"If we didn't share a mortgage, I would leave you."'
• On the radio, we hear news that the living situation in Ireland is dire
• The radio presenter notes how people are going "across the sea" to England for a better life
• Conor's life is turned upside down

  1. Taken out of private school

  2. Sent to a public, Christian Brothers, school
• Conor's brother, Brendan: 'The school is known for "systematic beating" of the students'
• Conor's new school


  • Very different to what he is used to
  • Fights and students who don't seem very friendly
• Intense rock music plays during the scene, contributing to the mise-en-scene
• Brother Baxter, the teacher


  • Commands respect from students through fear
• Conor meets Raphina
• Upon seeing Raphina, Conor says how beautiful she is. Darren notes how

  "her boyfriend's a drug dealer". This sets up the idea that Raphina comes

  with trouble. Conor tries to impress her by offering her a light for a

  smoke, but she refuses. The audience knows that Conor doesn't smoke,

  as established in a previous scene. This marks the beginning of Conor

  trying to impress Raphina. When Conor talks to her, she tells him that

  she's a model and is moving to London. He asks her to be in a music

  video for his band, which the audience knows is not real. He feigns
• After Raphina doesn't show up to the music video, Conor goes searching for her and finds out that she has gone to London
• Raphina tries to pretend that it is not her, saying she is her sister and not Raphina
• Conor knows that this is not true
• Raphina closes herself off to others


  This again shows how
• Raphina tells Conor that Evan left her and beat her, but says "I totally deserved it"
• Raphina's lack of self love can be seen here
• She doesn't value herself
• They discuss career opportunities and Conor says he supports whatever makes her happy
• She belittles him, calling him a "fifteen year old schoolboy" and says she's "just like my ma"
• Conor, upset by this, walks away
• This is the first time that we see him stand up for himself with Raphina, not allowing her to take advantage of him and his kindness
• The bike ride
• Conor and Raphina's bike ride

  1. Conor confides in Raphina about his parent's separation and financial situation

  2. Raphina asks if Conor is doing okay

  3. They discuss Raphina's house

  4. Raphina notes "I'm glad I don't have parents"

  5. Raphina says "haven't we been down this square already?"
• Conor confides in Raphina


  Raphina doesn't really do the same back
• Raphina's comment about her parents shows how she is comfortable with Conor and trusts him
• Raphina is not yet ready to put her guard down as much as Conor is
• Conor extends the bike ride


  1. Conor goes in circles through town

  2. Raphina notices this but doesn't seem to mind

  3. Conversation gets too deep for Raphina, she even smiles when she realises
• Conor is trying to spend more time with Raphina and likes her company
• Conor did not tell the boys about his parents, so we know that their friendship is special
• Raphina's boyfriend arrives


  Signifies a block between Conor and Raphina
• Conor and Raphina in the park