Elis & Tom: It Had to be You Poster

Elis & Tom: It Had to be You 2023

★ 8.011 votes101 min📅 2023-09-21

Step into the golden age of Brazilian music with *Elis & Tom: It Had to be You* (2023), a captivating documentary that revives one of the most legendary recording sessions in history.

Director: Jom Tob Azulay

Cast

Elis Regina
Elis Regina
Self (archive footage)
Antônio Carlos Jobim
Antônio Carlos Jobim
Self (archive footage)
Jon Pareles
Self
Aloysio de Oliveira
Self (archive footage)
Hélio Delmiro
Self
Roberto Menescal
Roberto Menescal
Self
César Camargo Mariano
Self
João Marcello Bôscoli
João Marcello Bôscoli
Self
André Midani
André Midani
Self
Gerry Mulligan
Gerry Mulligan
Self (archive footage)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *Elis & Tom: It Had to be You* (2023) about?

This documentary uncovers the story behind the iconic 1974 album *Elis & Tom*, featuring the legendary collaboration between Elis Regina and Antônio Carlos Jobim. Restored from rare footage, it captures the creative spark of their historic recording session in Los Angeles.

Who directed *Elis & Tom: It Had to be You*?

The film is directed by Jom Tob Azulay, who revisits the original footage and brings it to life with new context.

Who stars in *Elis & Tom: It Had to be You*?

The documentary features the musical legends Elis Regina and Antônio Carlos Jobim, alongside music critic Jon Pareles, producer Aloysio de Oliveira, and musicians Hélio Delmiro and Roberto Menescal.

Is *Elis & Tom: It Had to be You* (2023) worth watching?

Absolutely—this documentary is a must-watch for fans of Brazilian music and jazz. With its rich historical footage, stellar performances, and emotional depth, it's a rare glimpse into the making of a timeless album. Even those new to the artists will find its storytelling and music irresistible.

How long is *Elis & Tom: It Had to be You*?

The runtime is 101 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Elis & Tom: It Had to be You (2023) — The Untold Story Behind a Brazilian Music Classic

Step into the golden age of Brazilian music with *Elis & Tom: It Had to be You* (2023), a captivating documentary that revives one of the most legendary recording sessions in history. Directed by Jom Tob Azulay and crafted from rare footage preserved for nearly five decades, this film transports viewers to Los Angeles in 1974, where the iconic voices of Elis Regina and Antônio Carlos Jobim blended in a studio magic that would define a genre. The restored material offers an intimate glimpse into their creative chemistry, blending jazz, samba, and bossanova into a timeless masterpiece. With a dreamlike atmosphere and a soundtrack that lingers, this documentary is more than a historical artifact—it's a celebration of artistry, collaboration, and the enduring power of music.

The film isn't just a tribute to an album; it's a reunion of the artists and the director who captured their genius, stitching together lost moments and newfound perspectives. Shot in documentary style, *Elis & Tom: It Had to be You* balances the nostalgia of the original footage with a fresh lens, revealing the human stories behind the music. Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering their work for the first time, this documentary promises an immersive experience that echoes the soulful brilliance of its stars.