IMDb 6.8 2023 HD

American Symphony

American Symphony

2023
Documentary Music
104 min PG-13 USA
6.683 / 10
6.8 IMDB

Musician Jon Batiste attempts to compose a symphony as his wife, writer Suleika Jaouad, undergoes cancer treatment.

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Matthew Heineman
Starring
Jon Batiste / Suleika Jaouad / Lindsey Byrnes / Anna Wintour / Jonathan Dinklage / Louis Cato / Stephen Colbert / Billie Eilish

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

moving inspiring emotional powerful honest resilient artistic poignant challenging intimate grand

Reviews

P
Penelope Davies
Mar 19, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

‘American Symphony’ is a testament to the enduring power of love and creativity. Jon Batiste’s monumental effort to compose a symphony unfolds alongside the courageous battle his wife, Suleika Jaouad, wages against cancer. The film’s direction is sensitive…

M
Marcus Bell
Mar 19, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

This documentary offers an intimate look at Jon Batiste’s ambitious project to compose a symphony, interwoven with the serious health challenges faced by his wife, Suleika Jaouad. The film’s strength lies in its raw honesty, particularly in depicting…

I
Isabelle Moreau
Mar 19, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

A truly breathtaking chronicle of love and artistic endeavour under immense pressure. Jon Batiste’s commitment to composing his symphony is matched only by the courage and grace of his wife, Suleika Jaouad, as she undergoes cancer treatment. The…

A
Arthur Finch
Mar 19, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

‘American Symphony’ presents a compelling duality: the monumental task of creating a new musical work set against the stark reality of illness. Jon Batiste’s dedication to his symphony is palpable, but it’s the unwavering spirit of his wife,…

E
Eleanor Vance
Mar 19, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

This documentary offers a profoundly moving portrait of resilience, art, and love. Jon Batiste’s ambition to compose a symphony serves as a powerful backdrop to the deeply personal and harrowing journey of his wife, Suleika Jaouad, as she…

FAQs

While the film's primary focus is on the personal journey of Jon Batiste and his wife, it does provide a glimpse into the world of classical music composition through Batiste's creative process. Viewers can expect to see the dedication and inspiration involved in crafting a symphony, though the emphasis remains on how his personal experiences, particularly his wife's health struggles, influence his artistic output. It's less a technical masterclass and more an exploration of art born from life.