Moment by Moment - Feature Film

In the three years I have been involved in this industry, I have come across several song cycles. In simple terms, these are collections of songs with a common theme, rather than a classic linear plot. I love the concept: it leaves so much room for creativity on the part of the viewer, and the songs are always incredibly impressive.

Moment by Moment, written by Alexander Sage Oyen, began as a concert in 2013 at 54 Below. In 2026, it finds itself as a feature film directed by Louis Rayneau. It follows ten strangers in a city as they go through the trials and joys of human life. Though I was intrigued by the use of film for this concept, I don't think it truly does the material justice.

It boasts a stellar cast, with Katie Tonkinson (The Greatest Showman), Collette Guitart (Just for One Day) and Cassidy Janson (Olivier Award-winning role in & Juliet), amongst many others. All of them are insanely talented and make the material their own, and you can clearly tell this is a project of passion. The songs themselves were fun - with the comedy duet between Ross Harmon and Jordan Donnelly being my personal favourite. However, the screen dampens their effect, leaving me wanting more.

Though I loved the work choreographed by Rachel Sargent, I found that the shift from heartfelt ballads to the dance numbers broke the pacing and ultimately did the piece a disservice. Had this been staged, with the dances sitting side by side with the music, it could have worked much better.

What I love about watching a song cycle on stage is the time between the songs, when you sit there absorbing the emotion of one before moving on to the next. On film, those transitions are so smooth and efficient that you don't get that time to reflect.

This continues to make me think the material would be better served as a live performance. However, I do love the idea of theatre being accessible worldwide, and it will be available to stream very soon.

Overall, Moment by Moment is full of talent and heart, and I'm glad it exists, particularly for the audience it will reach through streaming. But a song cycle depends on stillness as much as sound, and the film format leaves little room for either. I would happily recommend watching it for the voices, but I would love to see it return to the stage, where it can breathe.

Overall Score: 60% - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3*)

(AD | Ticket gifted in exchange for an honest review)

Show Information

Online streaming - available here

Run Time: Approximately 75 min