This Is Going to Be Big

The movie 'This Is Going to Be Big' offers a behind-the-scenes look at a group of teenagers who are about to embark on a journey to discover themselves on stage in a quirky musical that travels through time to commemorate the music of legendary Australian artist John Farnham. With a cast that is predominantly made up of individuals who identify as neurodivergent, the film skillfully explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the healing power of art. The story begins with our protagonist Jack, a charming and confident student who is known for his exceptional voice. Jack has a natural talent for singing and is immediately thrust into the spotlight when he is chosen to play the lead role in his school's annual musical, which happens to be a tribute to the great John Farnham. However, things take a turn when the director of the musical, a quirky and eccentric woman named Mrs. Thompson, surprises everyone with an unusual twist: this will be a time-travel themed musical. As rehearsals begin, Jack finds himself surrounded by a group of neurodivergent teenagers, each with their unique quirks and talents. There's Sophie, a brilliant pianist who has an exceptional memory but struggles with social interactions; Ben, a charismatic dancer who has a diagnosis of autism and requires a strict routine to stay focused; and Emily, a young woman with a talent for acting but finds it challenging to express her emotions. Together, the group works tirelessly under the guidance of Mrs. Thompson to put on the most spectacular musical the school has ever seen. However, as they delve deeper into the world of John Farnham's music, they begin to uncover their own personal struggles and secrets. Jack, who appears to be confident and self-assured, reveals a vulnerable side as he struggles to balance his role in the musical with his anxiety about taking on a leadership position. Meanwhile, Sophie finds herself drawn to the music of John Farnham, who seems to understand her on a deep level. As she rehearses his songs, she begins to connect with her own emotions and discovers a newfound sense of purpose. Ben, on the other hand, is worried that his routine will be disrupted by the demands of the musical, and fears that he won't be able to keep up. Emily, too, struggles with self-expression, finding it challenging to access her emotions and bring her character to life on stage. Through it all, Mrs. Thompson provides guidance and support, using her own experiences as a neurodivergent individual to empathize with her cast. As the rehearsals progress, the group begins to gel, and their bond grows stronger. They start to see each other's quirks and talents as strengths, rather than weaknesses. As the night of the performance approaches, the group faces a daunting hurdle: they must navigate a challenging stage setup and deal with a last-minute technical issue that threatens to derail the entire event. But through teamwork, perseverance, and a deep commitment to their craft, they manage to pull off a spectacular musical that leaves the audience in awe. The film ends with a poignant message about the power of art to bring people together and foster understanding and empathy. As the curtain falls on the John Farnham musical, the cast takes their final bow, beaming with pride and a newfound sense of purpose. It's a heartwarming celebration of the human spirit, and a testament to the idea that everyone has something unique to offer.