Jeremy Allen White takes center stage as Bruce Springsteen in Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, a biopic tracing the raw and haunting creation of the Boss’s 1982 album Nebraska. While the film promises a deep dive into one of rock’s most introspective records, the critical reception has been anything but unanimous.
Focusing on the famously solitary recording process that took place in Springsteen’s New Jersey home using a humble four-track recorder, the film aims for artistic resonance but ends up dividing its audience. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 62%, it earns a “Fresh” rating—just enough to escape mediocrity, but far from critical consensus.
Many reviewers agree on one point: Jeremy Allen White delivers a compelling portrayal. Praised for capturing Springsteen’s voice, mannerisms, and onstage essence, White’s performance emerges as the standout element. From denim to desperation, he walks the line between tribute and transformation with ease.
But not everyone is on board with the film’s execution. Some critics argue it leans too heavily into mythmaking, casting Springsteen as a tortured genius without fully exploring the man behind the music. Others take issue with the screenplay’s reliance on biopic clichés and the film’s overly reverent tone.
Jeremy Strong steps into the role of Jon Landau, Springsteen’s longtime producer and confidant, but the supporting characters, like the narrative itself, often fade into the background. For all its atmosphere and intention, the film struggles to find emotional or thematic clarity.
Ultimately, Deliver Me From Nowhere may satisfy die-hard fans hungry for a visual companion to Nebraska, but for broader audiences, it’s a moody journey that doesn’t always justify the trip.