Just Sing (2025)

-Written by Kristin Ciliberto.

Just Sing is a documentary that follows passionate young adults showcasing the power of music. A coming-of-age story, directed by Abraham Troen and Angelique Molina, Just Sing follows the USC SoCal VoCals as they compete at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella in New York City, aiming for a sixth win in their final year before graduation. The most wonderful aspect of the VoCals group is that it includes students with a strong work ethic from diverse backgrounds who are music majors pursuing their dreams of fame. Every member of the a cappella group takes this competition very seriously. 

One speaker in Just Sing credits Pitch Perfect for making a cappella cool. The 2012 musical comedy, directed by Jason Moore, follows a competitive collegiate a cappella group that became both a commercial hit and a cult classic. “Cup-Song” was also everywhere at the time thanks to Anna Kendrick’s performance. Due to the film's success, college students began signing up for a cappella groups. The documentary brought me back to the days of watching Glee. 

Set during the 2022-2023 academic year, the VoCals included 16 members. It’s difficult to highlight all the group members, so the film jumps back and forth, offering brief glimpses of some members and following the group as a whole. There are a lot of personal stories told; like in many documentaries, the subjects open up and get personal. The one subject who stands out is Tiffany Galaviz. Galaviz, who is looking to pursue big music dreams, is not only a student and a member of the group, but also juggling jobs, including performing in a mariachi group. Another member, Dylan Beck, who is originally from North Dakota, opens up about being the only openly gay teen from a small town. Other stories are told, but perhaps turning Just Sing into a Netflix-like documentary series would better honor everyone.

The documentary captures moments from the group's rehearsals and performances. You can see how much care went into each performance as the numbers are electrifying, featuring covers of Bob Dylan and Rosalía. One of Dylan’s 1964 hits, “The Times They Are A-Changin,” which the group performs, plays an emotional and significant role. The members begin to open up as they discuss their connection to the song, as the film helps incorporate themes of identity, the uncertainty about the future, and community. The standout musical number was the group's performance of Beyoncé’s “Cuff It,” and hopefully she has seen it because it hit all the right notes. It's amazing to see them all hit the right notes and make everything perfect. There is also pure tension as the group is under serious pressure, performing while facing the possibility of elimination, even if it comes off as a tad predictable.

Today, SoCal VoCals remain active and continue to compete, as they are the oldest university a cappella group, having been founded in 1996. Luckily, the documentary will inspire others and show some of the legacy of the group. Just Sing is filled with so much joy and harmony that it might even have your foot tapping along.

Directed by Angelique Molina & Abraham Troen. 

Written by Miles Coleman & Sarah Thomson. 

Starring Mateo Gonzales, Sam Avila, Jillian Batt, Yohanna Bauerdorf, etc. 

8/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING