Thescreescore – Hugh Jackman’s critically lauded and audience-adored musical biopic, Song Sung Blue, is making its highly anticipated digital debut on Peacock this Valentine’s Day weekend, arriving at a strategically opportune moment. The film, which has already shattered audience reception records for the acclaimed actor, is poised to capture a fresh wave of viewers just weeks before the Academy Awards ceremony.
Penned and directed by the visionary Craig Brewer, Song Sung Blue transports audiences to the heart of Wisconsin, chronicling the extraordinary lives of Mike and Claire Sardina. Portrayed with captivating depth by Jackman and Kate Hudson, this real-life couple rose to prominence through their electrifying renditions of Neil Diamond’s iconic repertoire, particularly their signature act, "Lightning and Thunder." Drawing inspiration from a 2008 documentary, the film premiered theatrically in December 2025, quickly garnering significant critical praise, evidenced by its respectable 78% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
However, it was with general audiences that Song Sung Blue truly resonated, securing an astonishing 97% on the Popcornmeter. This near-perfect score not only solidified its status as a crowd-pleaser but also marked a new career high for Jackman, surpassing the 94% audience approval ratings of his blockbuster hits, Deadpool and Wolverine.
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Less than two months after its cinematic release, the poignant narrative of Song Sung Blue will be accessible for streaming on Peacock starting February 13, 2026. This timing is particularly shrewd for two compelling reasons. Firstly, its arrival just ahead of Valentine’s Day weekend positions it as an ideal choice for those seeking a deeply moving romantic drama. Secondly, the streaming window opens a full month before the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 15 on ABC, allowing potential Oscar voters and eager fans to revisit or discover the film before the big night. For those preferring physical media, the DVD release is slated for February 17, 2026, while video-on-demand options are already available.
The film has been widely celebrated for its sensitive portrayal of a love story steeped in both triumph and tragedy. Jackman and Hudson have received widespread acclaim for their compelling performances and undeniable on-screen chemistry, with particular attention drawn to Hudson’s magnetic portrayal. Her work has propelled her into the awards season conversation, culminating in a coveted Best Actress nomination at the Academy Awards. This marks her second Oscar nod, following her Best Supporting Actress recognition for Almost Famous a remarkable 26 years prior, and comes after securing nominations at both the Golden Globe Awards and the Actor Awards (formerly the Screen Actors Guild Awards).
Film critic Alex Harrison, writing for thescreescore.com, was among those who lauded the film, awarding it a solid 7 out of 10 stars. Harrison emphasized the leading duo as the emotional core of the movie, suggesting their charm is powerful enough to overshadow any minor imperfections: "It only takes a few minutes to be swept up by the music and the delightful chemistry of its stars, and the ride the movie takes you on from there is much better felt than studied."
Despite the widespread critical and audience adoration, the film wasn’t without its detractors. Michael Sardina Jr., the son of the real-life Mike Sardina, expressed dissatisfaction with his father’s cinematic depiction, lamenting to the Daily Mail that the true Mike would likely be "rolling in his grave right now." Both he and his sister, Angelina Sardina, received modest payments for their consulting roles on the production. In contrast, Neil Diamond himself was reportedly deeply moved by the biopic. Jackman recounted, "He rang me after seeing the movie with his wife, Katie, and he was crying," underscoring the film’s emotional impact on its subject.
Financially, Song Sung Blue proved a success, earning over $55 million globally against a production budget of $30 million. Now, with its imminent streaming availability, the film has a golden opportunity to expand its audience reach, offering a perfect viewing experience for those celebrating Valentine’s Day and a crucial watch for anyone keen to catch up on Oscar-nominated cinema before the grand ceremony.
Film Details:
- Release Date: December 25, 2025
- Runtime: 133 minutes
- Director: Craig Brewer
- Writers: Craig Brewer
- Producers: Craig Brewer, John Davis, John Fox, H.H. Cooper
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