The entertainment industry is a tough business, in which a hit single isn’t always a guarantee for a long career and where popularity can be gone in an instant. You’ll have to work hard to get to the top…and to stay there. It’s something which the mother of Noni (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), Macy Jean (Minnie Driver), has figured out early. When her daughter wins second price in a talent competition she forces her to throw away her price, because second best isn’t good enough. Her mother’s drive to push her to be the best eventually pays off, but it also has a dark side.
The innocent girl who Noni once was has disappeared because of it. As R&B artist she has revealing clothing and her mother makes all her decisions, meaning Noni sometimes has to do things which aren’t always in her best interest personally. When Noni wins a very important prize she seems to have reached the top of her success, but she then decides to do something through which she meets Kaz (Nate Parker), a young police officer with political aspirations. The two immediately have a connection to each other and regularly meet up, where Kaz tries to show her that a different side of her is hidden.
Beyond the Lights succeeds in telling a gripping story of self discovery and spreading your wings, mixing that with romance and a lot of drama. It shows that behind the scenes (and sometimes in the spotlight) life can be tough. Noni is exquisitely portrayed by Mbatha-Raw as a character who has blindly followed the advice her mother gave her. The link with real life artists who were coached by their parents is easy to make. Nate Parker, in his role as police officer, makes you think of a young Denzel Washington and shows a lot of promise. Thanks to his chemistry with Mbatha-Raw you are pulled into their relationship with its ups and downs. Although this sometimes means predictable paths are followed is something you can forgive the movie. The end result is a beautiful film with lots of drama and romance, set in the entertainment industry.
I am beyond thrilled that you love this Nostra! I agree w/ everything you said, though I’m not as fond of Nate Parker initially but upon rewatch I appreciated him more. You’re right there’s a touch of Denzel in him. But the star is truly Mbatha Raw who’s absolutely beautiful and talented, she nails the portrayal of a rock star as well as the vulnerability of her character. I was fully invested in her emotional journey. I also LOVE the music of the film, esp that song in the finale, Blackbird. Thanks for watching this Nostra!
Yeah, I remember how much you loved this and that really motivated me to eventually check it out. It took a while, but I’m very glad I did!
Yeah, Mbatha Raw is amazing and the way she sings…gave me goosebumps.
How have I not heard of this before? It sounds good and the trailer was interesting… or maybe I’m just in the mood for some love!? What ever the case, I’m on it.. thanks!
It is very interesting, so do check it out if you can!
Very glad you liked this one. I really enjoyed it also. Mbatha-Raw is fantastic. Parker has been doing solid work for a while now. I hope there’s big things ahead for both. I also think Minnie Driver was great.
Yeah, hadn’t seen Minnie Driver in a while, but she was good in her role, so were the others in the cast.
Great review! The film was wonderful. Gugu Mbatha-Raw was amazing here, looking forward for her other works.
Yeah, I think she also was in Belle right? Still want to check that one out.
Belle was a lovely film, she was great in that one too.
Will make sure I’ll see it.