For inspiration this year, I chose The Greatest Showman. It felt like the perfect way to kick off a new year.

It’s so easy to get distracted by everything happening around us. Sometimes we need something that reminds us to stay true to ourselves and to be brave, strong, and kind. In the film, P. T. Barnum says, “No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else.” That line really stayed with me because it affirms something I deeply believe: being unique is a strength.

I first heard “This Is Me” in the trailer around June 2017 and immediately fell in love with it. I remember being so frustrated because I had to wait months to hear the full version. When I first read the title of the movie, I actually thought it said The Greatest Snowman and pictured Olaf from Frozen. Clearly, I needed new glasses.

After months of anticipation, the soundtrack was finally released on December 8 by Atlantic Records. I listened to every single track and instantly loved them. “Never Enough” gave me chills. I must have played the entire album on repeat for weeks on Spotify.

Even though the official release date was December 28, Major Cineplex screened advance previews from December 25 to December 27 at 20:00 each night. Of course, I went on Christmas Day. I couldn’t wait any longer.

I have to admit something. La La Land by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul is one of the very few musicals I did not enjoy. I know, controversial. But they absolutely nailed it with The Greatest Showman. I rarely love every single track on an album, but this one is different.

Seeing the songs come to life on screen after listening to them for weeks was magical. Hugh Jackman was brilliant as P. T. Barnum. “Rewrite the Stars” by Zac Efron and Zendaya was stunning. The rooftop dance to “A Million Dreams” was beautiful. And when “Never Enough” played, I honestly thought Rebecca Ferguson was singing it herself. Keala Settle’s performance of “This Is Me” lit a fire inside me. It made me want to celebrate who I am and stand taller in my own identity.

The opening scene was grand and powerful. The music, lyrics, choreography, costumes, and performances all worked together perfectly. Yes, I’m a sucker for musicals, but that’s not the only reason I love this film. It’s inspiring. It’s emotional. It’s motivating. I found myself wiping away tears more than once.

I can relate to almost every song, but I’ll write more about that next time.

If you enjoy musical films, you will love this one. For me, it was the best movie of 2017. Go see it while you still can.

And if you’ve already seen it, I’d love to know what you think.