‘Vicarious wish-fulfillment’: why That Thing You Do! is my feelgood movie

“How did we get here?” That’s the question Steve Zahn’s character in That Thing You Do! asks his bandmate with bemusement right before they perform on live television.

It’s a moment I have thought of many times over the past 30 years. Sometimes, it’s been a moment I’ve aspired to, and sometimes it’s a moment I’ve felt myself. When the band hears their song on the radio for the first time, it’s one of the most ebullient moments I’ve ever seen on film. There is a euphoria that is recognizable for anyone who has ever felt the joy of a creative accomplishment – and isn’t that all of us, in one way or another? That’s what makes That Thing You Do! my feelgood movie.

In 1996, Tom Hanks was on top of Hollywood. He had back-to-back best actor Oscar wins, and two of 1995’s highest-grossing films with Toy Story and Apollo 13. I presume he could have done anything he wanted. I will be forever grateful that he chose to write, direct and co-star in this modest, gentle ode to 1960s pop music. It’s a movie of such warmth that any scene viewed at any time will instantly make me happier.

The fictional pop band at the center of the film is named the Wonders. Taking inspiration from the Beatles, they initially spell their name as the Oneders, but are forced to change when they repeatedly get introduced as the “oh-need-ers”. The band soar to fame when Guy Patterson (Tom Everett Scott) sits in as drummer and spontaneously ups the tempo of their song, That Thing You Do!. The song quickly garners the attention of local restaurateurs, promoters and, soon enough, a record producer named Mr White (Hanks).

The song drives the plot and is also the film’s superpower. Written by the late Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne, That Thing You Do! plays constantly throughout the movie and you’re always happy to hear it.

The film itself resembles the fast beat and breezy melody of its title track as it zips through its 108-minute running time. Their record climbs the charts and opportunities present themselves at a dizzying speed that suggests their success will never let up. But creative tensions, unhappy relationships and professional callings get in the way, threatening to end their run as quickly as it started. And, indeed, they do.

I think that’s what makes this film so special. It offers vicarious wish-fulfillment but doesn’t shy away from sobering reality. There isn’t the blissfully happy ending that I’d instinctually consider necessary for a feelgood movie. Instead, wistfulness takes the lead and you’re more likely to feel a tiny lump in your throat than a tap in your toe. When things fall apart, it’s an undeniable sting, but it’s not a mortal wound the way it is in most cautionary tales of show business. There’s a big beating heart in this movie that shares clear-eyed wisdom in a way that is funny, cheerful and encouraging.

In a recent interview, Matthew Rhys said that the advice he received from Hanks was “this too shall pass.” This was given as a reminder for both the bad days and the good days. That same sense of humility pulses through That Thing You Do!.

There is also a sense of kindness throughout. There are no real villains here. Jimmy, the brooding talent, could be the villain, but he has a point with his self-righteousness. There’s also the superficial Tina (Charlize Theron) who is uninterested but never cruel. Or the comically hard-nosed dad (Holmes Osborne). Even the grotesque Sol Siler (Alex Rocco), who couldn’t care less about the music, still gets credit for making things possible as the head of the record label. They all have a purpose and identity. They receive a little ribbing, but also grace.

The feelgood vibes are also fueled by the charming camaraderie of the band, the effervescence of Jimmy’s girlfriend Faye (Liv Tyler) and Hanks himself, who could have played this over-the-top or completely straight but instead delivers both laughter and poignancy while never overshadowing the cast.

Hanks seemed so old to me when I saw this at 11. Now, I think he looks so young. He was around 40 at the time he made this, which is roughly my current age. The ending used to sting me more than it does now. I used to think: “If only this character had done that, the band could have stayed together.” But now I watch it, and it’s as if Hanks is quietly saying: “Between fame and happiness, choose happiness.”

Mr Hanks, I hope you’ve found both. This is my way of saying thank you for giving us this cinematic gift. May this “onederful” film bring joy to many more generations.

• That Thing You Do! is available on Pluto in the US, to rent digitally in the UK and to watch on Disney+ in Australia