The Commitments

In the vibrant Northside of Dublin, young music enthusiast Jimmy Rabbitte yearns to manage a band that captures the essence of 1950s and 60s African-American soul and rock and roll. Driven by this vision, he takes the first step towards his dream by posting an advertisement in the local newspaper.

Jimmy hosts auditions at his family's home, hoping to find the right talent for his band. Amid a wave of unsuitable candidates, his determination grows stronger as he realizes he might need to form a band with his friends and other individuals from the neighborhood.

After numerous attempts to find suitable musicians, Jimmy decides to form a band with his friends and new acquaintances. The group comes together with a diverse lineup including lead singer Deco, guitarist Outspan, keyboardist Steven, and several backup singers.

A twist of fate introduces Jimmy to Joey 'The Lips' Fagan, an experienced trumpeter whose tales of famous musicians captivate him. Inspired by Joey's stories and their shared passion for music, Jimmy dubs the band 'The Commitments,' marking a new chapter in their journey.

To kickstart their musical journey, Jimmy purchases a drum set and acquires a piano from Steven's grandmother. He also turns to a shadowy dealer named Duffy to gather the remaining instruments necessary for the band to start rehearsing.

The band begins to rehearse diligently above a local snooker hall, dedicating themselves to mastering their craft. Their hard work pays off when they convince a church community center to host their gig, cleverly disguising it as an anti-heroin campaign.

On the night of their debut gig, the band attracts a sizable crowd, but disaster strikes when Deco accidentally hits Derek with his microphone stand. The ensuing chaos leads to a catastrophic power outage caused by exploding amplifiers, marking a tumultuous start to their musical aspirations.

As the band experiences the pressures of fame, personal conflicts begin to surface. Joey's romantic entanglements with band members Natalie, Bernie, and Imelda are complicated by Deco's ego, which continues to overshadow the contributions of his bandmates, creating an environment of tension.

While performing at a different venue, Billy's accidental mishaps with the cymbals lead to a heated argument with Deco. Frustrated by the ongoing conflicts and Deco's behavior, Billy ultimately decides to leave the group, complicating Jimmy's plans for the band's future.

During their next gig at a roller disco, the band faces pressure as Duffy demands payment. A violent confrontation breaks out when Mickah, the band's bouncer, kicks Duffy out, emphasizing the volatile nature of their musical journey while Jimmy prepares for an introduction.

With high hopes, Joey tantalizingly suggests that he can bring the legendary Wilson Pickett to perform with them. Eager to skyrocket their success, Jimmy arranges for a group of journalists to cover their upcoming show, fostering excitement among the band members despite their backstage drama.

The long-anticipated show begins with an enthusiastic crowd, but backstage tensions mount as disagreements arise over Pickett's possible participation. Despite the chaos, they take the stage, and Deco's explosive outburst raises the stakes for their outstanding performance of Pickett's song 'In the Midnight Hour.'

After their uplifting performance, confrontations spiral out of control, leading Jimmy to declare that the band is finished. In a surprising twist, Joey reassures him outside, but just as tensions threaten to unravel completely, Wilson Pickett’s limo arrives, confirming the unexpected partnership.

In a reflective finale, Jimmy shares how the once-tight band members have gone in different directions after their time together. Each member has pursued their path, from Bernie's new country band to Deco’s solo ambitions, highlighting the profound impact of their shared experiences.

As the credits roll, hints of romance linger between Jimmy and Natalie, now a successful solo artist. While the band has disbanded, their journeys continue to intersect, leaving the audience with a sense of hope that their musical dreams may someday converge once again.