While in most movies, the ups and downs are in the plot, in “Inside Llewyn Davis” happiness exists in its music and stark humor. This is not a bad thing. In fact, the film itself is special and unique.

The movie focuses on one week in the life of Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac), a folk singer in Greenwich Village during the early 1960s. His life is broken: his singing partner committed suicide; he gets his best friend’s wife (Carey Mulligan) pregnant; he crashes on people’s couches; and his folk singing career proves to be floundering. It is a story of non-success, failure, and music.

Directed and written by American film legends Ethan and Joel Coen, (“Raising Arizona,” “Fargo,” “The Big Lebowski”), the film maintains a solemn, realist tone that sees through idealism and pretense and reveals the true hardship of the average American. What a refreshing concept: a movie that recognizes the times when we all feel grumpy, lonely, or just plain insignificant; a movie that reminds us that in these moments, we are not alone. With Llewyn Davis, we suffer and then find refuge in music.

The music of “Inside Llewyn Davis,” arranged by T Bone Burnett, provides a perfect insight into Llewyn Davis’ soul. The performances throughout the movie stir a renewed passion for the old world of 60’s folk music.

“Inside Llewyn Davis” is a beautiful movie that combines raw, honest emotion with stunning music. Try it. It’s unlike any movie you’ve seen before.