Love and Mercy, the bio pic about the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, was almost a religious experience for me. Growing up in Southern California, the Beach Boys played the soundtrack of my life. “California Girls,” “Be True to Your School,” “Surfin’ USA” “I Get Around,” “Good Vibrations” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” were personal anthems.  But I had no idea of the tremendous and tragic price Brian Wilson paid to bring me all those bouncy, feel good songs. Until now.

This is not your typical troubled artist bio pic, a linear tale in which he/she shows promise at a young age, gets involved with addiction and hurts the ones he/she loves, then conquers all and triumphs in the end. Director Bill Pohlad (producer of 12 Years a Slave, Wild and Tree of Life), adroitly skips back and forth in the timeline of Wilson’s life, with Paul Dano playing him when he was young, and John Cusack playing him at 40-ish. Both performances are award worthy in my book. The sublime Paul Giamatti plays Dr. Eugene Landy, who controlled Wilson’s life for years, and Elizabeth Banks is exceptional as Melissa Ledbetter, who helped Wilson escape Landy’s suffocating influence. Bill Camp is truly frightening as Wilson’s despicable and abusive father.

Wilson’s story is so full and tumultuous that it would be impossible to include all the gory details in one film, so certain highlights and lowlights have been judiciously selected, and we’re left with a better understanding and appreciation of Wilson’s true genius and pain. We are reminded that Paul McCartney once said that “God Only Knows,” is one of the best song ever written, and that Pet Sounds is widely acclaimed as one of the best albums ever recorded. We are taken into the studio to observe Wilson’s creative genius and into his home to witness his deepest despair.

Wilson and his wife collaborated on the film, but you still get the feeling that it is painfully, brutally honest. I was emotionally wrought by the end, practically weeping after following along on this artist’s journey. I’m moved again, even as I write this, and have to say that in my opinion, it’s the best film of the year so far. Since it’s an indie, you might have to drive a bit to see it, but it’s well worth the effort–especially if you grew up listening to the Beach Boys.

Rated PG-13

2 Hours

Get times and tickets at Fandango.com.

LOVE & MERCY Review: Transcendent