The biopic of a musician has been a staple of films for decades. In recent years, we’ve gotten a number of stories of real-life musicians, often built around their music and key moments in their lives and careers. For some, these films are highlights of the year. For others, the genre seems to have grown stale.

It’s doubtful that Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere will do much to change things for critics. And yet, for those who enjoy Springsteen and his music, this will likely be an entertaining outing.

The film focuses on a narrow band of Springsteen’s (Jeremy Allen White) life and career. It’s 1981 and he’s just completed a successful tour. Now, he’s in a rental near his hometown in New Jersey and working on the next album. His manager, Jon Landau (Jeremy Strong), is there to provide encouragement and support.

But, on his own, Springsteen is struggling. What he’s creating is some beautiful art, but it marks a departure from his previous work. It’s also taking a serious mental toll on him. While he finds something of an outlet in a relationship with a waitress named Faye (Odessa Young), he feels the stress of not being present.

As it comes closer to time for release of the new album, tensions build. Can Springsteen deliver on his vision before it causes him to crumble?

This new film comes from writer/director Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart). He has a feel for the artist and the material. This is a very personal story. While we get a few performance sequences that are well done, this is more about the internal struggles and the quieter creative process.

That will work better for some than others. The film also focuses on Springsteen’s childhood—particularly his uneven relationship with his father (Stephen Graham)—and how that has ripples into his life and career. I enjoyed the exploration of the inspiration and the creative process. I also think the film makes a couple strong statements about mental health and seeking help, which is reinforced in the closing.

But not all of it works. The character Faye is a composite for relationships Springsteen had during that period. Their back-and-forth doesn’t feel like it has good resolution, in part because it can’t. That leaves it feeling a bit incomplete.

I like White as a performer, and he’s often quite good here. But the style of the story and character feels similar to the part he plays in The Bear. As such, sometimes it felt like watching Carmen in a music career. That’s not bad, but it feels like it does both White and the film a disservice at times.

Overall, this is an enjoyable ride. For those who like Springsteen and his music, this will be well worth checking out. Even if you just enjoy a good film, this is an entertaining watch even if it doesn’t reach the heights of its potential.

Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere is now playing nationwide.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.