'Everybody Digs Bill Evans' Review: An Elegant Jazz Biopic

Variety

by Guy Lodge

February 13, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Grant Gee’s biopic * Everybody Digs Bill Evans* offers a poignant and elegantly crafted exploration of jazz pianist Bill Evans’ life, focusing on his grief-stricken period following the tragic death of bassist Scott LaFaro in 1961. Rather than chronicling Evans’ entire career, the film zeroes in on a handful of emotionally charged months, capturing the artist’s mental struggles and creative paralysis while avoiding the typical cradle-to-grave biopic approach. The film, adapted from Owen Martell’s novel *Intermission*, masterfully conveys Evans’ personal torment through the precise lens of his artistry, blending silence, grief, and musical genius into a deeply moving narrative. Director Grant Gee, known for his work on music documentaries like *Joy Division* and Radiohead’s *Meeting People is Easy*, brings a distinctive visual and emotional style to the film. Using monochromatic cinematography by Piers McGrail, the movie evokes the gritty jazz scene of the 1960s while maintaining a restrained yet deeply felt tone. The casting of Norwegian actor Anders Danielsen Lie as Evans is an inspired choice, with his angular features and understated melancholy perfectly aligning with the pianist’s aura. The film also benefits from strong performances by the supporting cast, including Barry Ward as Evans’ protective but envious brother Harry and Valene Kane as his troubled girlfriend Ellaine. The narrative effectively weaves together historical events and fictionalized moments to explore Evans’ struggles with mental illness, substance abuse, and creative block. By focusing on this specific period, the film avoids feeling contrived, instead offering a raw and intimate portrayal of the artist’s inner world. The inclusion of key moments from Evans’ career, such as his iconic performance at the Village Vanguard, adds authenticity and depth to the story. For readers interested in jazz history, music biopics, or the interplay between personal turmoil

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Originally published on Variety on 2/13/2026