“Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere” A Compelling, Character-Driven Drama

From 20th Century Studios, “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere” chronicles the making of Bruce Springsteen’s 1982 “Nebraska” album.

Recorded on a four track recorder in Springsteen’s New Jersey bedroom, the album marked a pivotal time in his life and is considered one of his most enduring works - a raw, haunted acoustic record populated by lost souls searching for a reason to believe.

This film is based on the 2003 book “Deliver Me from Nowhere” by Warren Zanes, as well as some elements from Springsteen’s autobiography “Born to Run.” Despite the mixed reactions that the film has received, I thought this ended up being a decent watch.

“Deliver Me from Nowhere” delivers an authentic and sensitive portrayal of the artist’s mental health struggles, focusing on the making of the “Nebraska” album rather than a traditional biopic. The film also explores the artist’s painful past and the pressure of his fame with a compelling, character-driven story.

This film’s sensitive and honest exploration of mental health struggles adds a lot of significant weight to the story. It also provides a humanizing perspective on a rock star, showing that fame doesn’t prevent personal demons.

Fans of the “Nebraska” album will particularly enjoy the window into Springsteen’s creative process during that critical period. We also see his dedication to this artistic vision, even against the advice of his label, which is one of the most compelling parts of the film’s story. Also, the film’s depiction of the singer’s difficult relationship with his father is extremely powerful and emotional.

Jeremy Allen White, who some people will know from either “The Bear” or “Shameless,” did an astounding job portraying Springsteen. White gave it his all bringing the singer’s charisma to life on the big screen and also did a great job with the singing moments,

especially when he performed the popular “Born to Run.”

In this film, we also get to see a dynamic musical moment when Springsteen is recording “Born in the U.S.A.,” which was (at the time) an unreleased demo that was initially shelved in favor of “Nebraska.” Throughout the film, we also get to see some black and white flashbacks, which focuses on his relationship with his volatile, abusive father who is also mentally ill. The flashback moments can be hard to watch at times and we see how those moments affected the singer.

There’s also a truly moving moment towards the end when his father, now an older, more vulnerable man, visits him backstage at a concert with Springsteen’s mother. After years of emotional distance, his father tells him, “Sit on my lap,” offering a long-delayed gesture of paternal affection. This scene, based on a true event, marks a turning point in their troubled relationship.

Overall, this film is a deliberate, character-driven drama devoted to Springsteen fans and those interested in a nuanced study of an artist’s creative and mental health struggles. Even though “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere” isn’t your typical upbeat music biopic featuring all of his big hits, it’s still a great film that should be seen! Also, quick side note: at a Monday night showing that I attended, most of the audience stayed during the entire end credits, which is rare to see. 

Cast: Jeremy Allen White (Bruce Springsteen); Jeremy Strong (Jon Landau); Paul Walter Hauser (Mike Batlan); Stephen Graham (Douglas Springsteen); Odessa Young (Faye Romano); David Krumholtz (Al Teller); Gaby Hoffmann (Adele Springsteen); Marc Maron (Chuck Plotkin).

Writer/director: Scott Cooper (Antlers; Hostels; Out of the Furnace; Crazy Heart)

Trivia: 20th Century Studios acquired the project during a heated bidding war with A24, who was initially expected to take it during pre-production. Springsteen said he personally wanted White to play him and never considered anyone else. “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere” had its world premiere at the 52nd Telluride Film Festival on August 29, 2025.

MPA: Rated PG-13 for thematic material, some sexuality, strong language, and smoking   (runtime 2 hours)

• Jeremy Allen White plays harmonica and sings throughout the movie.

• Bruce Springsteen said he personally wanted Jeremy Allen White to play him and never considered anyone else. Saying that after having seen him in The Bear (2022), he felt White already had the demeanor of a rockstar.

• 20th Century Studios acquired the project during a heated bidding war with A24, who was initially expected to take it during pre-production.

• Springsteen's love interest in this movie, Faye Romano, is an amalgamation of multiple romantic relationships that Springsteen had.