You know that movie you watch, and it sticks with you, becomes a part of you? Perhaps the songs get stuck in your head and the characters feel like old friends? I have one just like that and it's The Greatest Showman. Or perhaps my main reason for loving it is encoded in two words—Zendaya Coleman.
Look, I’ll admit it: Favoritism for an actor shouldn't be a reason to term a movie, "the best" but aside the novel actors, this movie caught me off guard in the best way. I went in for Zendaya (because duh, Zendaya), but I stayed for the story, the music, and all the feels I got from this movie.
So, here’s the gist: Hugh Jackman plays P.T. Barnum, who goes from struggling nobody to creating this insane, colorful spectacle of a circus with a crew of misfits. It’s uplifting, emotional, and surprisingly relatable, especially if you’ve ever felt like you don't quite fit in.
Now, about Zendaya. She plays Anne Wheeler, the coolest trapeze artist you’ve ever seen. Her character is bold, graceful, and absolutely stunning in every single frame. The moment she glides onto the screen, you just know she’s about to steal the show. The musical highlight? “Rewrite the Stars,” where she and Zac Efron (yes, Troy Bolton himself) pull off this mind-blowing duet while spinning on a trapeze. I mean, what?! If there’s a visual representation of “breathtaking,” that scene is it.
And okay, let me fangirl for a second. I’ve followed Zendaya since her Disney days. Watching her evolve into this powerhouse actress who dominates every role? It’s a proud fan moment.
Now, back to The Greatest Showman.... the music? Oh, it’s on a whole other level. “This Is Me” is the anthem for anyone who’s ever felt a little different or underestimated. It’s powerful, it’s loud, and it gives you that goosebumps-on-your-arms kind of feeling. My siblings tease me till today about the one or two tears that escaped my eyes while watching this scene.
THIS IS ME LYRICS
I am not a stranger to the dark
"Hide away, " they say
"'Cause we don't want your broken parts"
I've learned to be ashamed of all my scars
"Run away, " they say
"No one'll love you as you are"
But I won't let them break me down to dust
I know that there's a place for us
For we are glorious
When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown 'em out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I'm meant to be, this is me
Look out 'cause here I come
And I'm marching on to the beat I drum
I'm not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me
Lyric Source
And while I love all the songs, “Rewrite the Stars” just hits differently. But hold on, because it's not even my favorite from this beautiful movie masterpiece. For Rewrite the stars—the romance, the tension, the sheer beauty of it, it’s perfect. It's the type of song that makes you want to sing it to the love of you life. "So, give me allllll of you"... who wouldn't want to sing that to their other half? Even if it comes out as off-key because, not everyone can be beauty, brains and still musically talented!
RE-WRITE THE STARS LYRICS
All I want is to fly with you
All I want is to fall with you
So just give me all of you
It feels impossible
It's not impossible
Is it impossible?
Say that it's possible
How do we rewrite the stars?
Say you were made to be mine?
Nothing can keep us apart
'Cause you are the one I was meant to find
It's up to you
And it's up to me
No one can say what we get to be
And why don't we rewrite the stars?
Changing the world to be ours
Lyric Source
And then there’s my absolute favorite, Never Enough, originally performed by Loren Allred. Gosh, SHE is a powerhouse, a true talent! The energy and raw emotion she pours into that song? Oh my goodness, I could cry. That’s how deeply this music moves me. And no, it’s not just about the stunning belted notes, the flawless key progression, or even the beautiful instrumentals. It’s something beyond that. You know how you fall in love with someone and can’t quite put your finger on why? That’s exactly how I feel about this song. I am utterly, irrevocably, and wholeheartedly in love with this rendition of Never Enough from The Greatest Showman.
NEVER ENOUGH LYRICS
I'm trying to hold my breath
Let it stay this way
Can't let this moment end
You set off a dream in me
Getting louder now
Can you hear it echoing?
Take my hand
Will you share this with me?
'Cause darling, without you
All the shine of a thousand spotlights
All the stars we steal from the night sky
Will never be enough
Never be enough
Towers of gold are still too little
These hands could hold the world but it'll
Never be enough
Never be enough
Lyric Source
What I really connected with, though, is the movie’s message. It’s all about embracing who you are, quirks and all, and finding the people who accept you for it. As someone who sometimes feels like I’m figuring life out one misstep at a time, that theme definitely hit home when I watched it.
Visually, the movie is a feast for the eyes. The costumes, the choreography, the vibrant sets—it’s like they cranked up the dreaminess dial to max. Every scene is so gorgeously crafted that you can't afford to look away even for a minute.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Even if you’re not into musicals, The Greatest Showman has something for everyone: raw emotion, incredible music, and Zendaya flying through the air, lol. What more could one possibly ask for?
So, yeah, The Greatest Showman won me over. Not just because of Zendaya (though she’s a huge reason), but because it’s one of those rare movies that makes you feel all the things—joy, hope, inspiration without any any cringe moment. And honestly? I wouldn’t mind watching it a thousand more times.
Thank you for reading!
My entry for Cine TV Contest #125