DC Area Premiere

As the saying goes, lightning never strikes twice. But Mike Sardina, the “Lightning” in the husband-and-wife Neil Diamond tribute act Lightning & Thunder, hopes to prove the saying wrong.

Over eight years in the making, Greg Kohs’ debut film focuses on a seemingly kitschy subject and reveals deep intimacy and humanity just below the sequined surface. Mike and Claire Sardina are a devoted couple who have achieved cult status in their hometown of Milwaukee for their earnest and uncanny renditions of Neil Diamond ballads. Decked out in spangled outfits, Lighting & Thunder play to hooting crowds at local bars and clubs. They even have one extraordinarily memorable brush with fame when they open for Pearl Jam in 1995 at the Wisconsin State Fair. It doesn’t take much for Lightning to coax an amiable Eddie Vedder onstage to join them in a rendition of “Forever in Blue Jeans,” which has a lasting impression on them all.

But a freak and tragic accident leaves Claire suddenly immobile, and their dreams of Vegas are supplanted by a reality of hospital visits, rehabilitation, unpaid bills, drug addiction, family crises, and lost hopes.

Through it all, the camera keeps rolling, building a raw depiction of struggle, loss, reconciliation, and redemption. Lyrics from the Neil Diamond classic that gives the film its name say it best: “Song sung blue. Everybody knows one. Song sung blue. Every garden grows one.” Yet, Thunder & Lightning’s particular blues are no garden variety.

-Sky Sitney