‘To Be Enjoyed’, directed by Stephen Stinson, is a compelling short documentary that beautifully captures the journey of singer/songwriter Thad Cockrell’s ascent to success. The film opens with a poignant piano performance by Cockrell, skillfully setting the tone for the emotional and inspiring narrative that follows. Cockrell candidly shares his background, detailing the genesis of his songwriting and the modest success he experienced collaborating with other artists while leading a relatively obscure life.
Amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cockrell’s release of the album ‘If In Case You Feel The Same’ initially faced adversity, struggling to gain the recognition it deserved. The documentary skillfully portrays his contemplation of giving up on his musical pursuits. However, a serendipitous moment occurred when talk show host Jimmy Fallon discovered the soul-stirring track ‘Swingin’ at a hardware store. Fallon’s endorsement catapulted Cockrell to perform on his late-night show, resulting in a remarkable turnaround that saw Cockrell claiming the number one spot on the iTunes chart.
The film’s intimate cinematography by Logan Dillard adds a layer of emotional resonance, complementing Cockrell’s narrative. The production quality is notably high, delivering a gorgeously filmed and deeply inspiring documentary that showcases the resilience and triumph of a talented musician. ‘To Be Enjoyed’ is a captivating exploration of Cockrell’s artistic journey, celebrating the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.
