Beyond the Lights
2014, Drama/Romance, 1h 56m
93 Reviews 10,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Thanks to smart direction and a powerhouse performance from Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Beyond the Lights transcends its formulaic storyline to deliver thoroughly entertaining drama. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Though she's been groomed for stardom all her life by an overbearing mother (Minnie Driver), singer Noni (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) is having trouble dealing with her success. Feeling unable to cope any longer, Noni tries to kill herself, but luckily Kaz (Nate Parker), the police officer assigned to be her bodyguard, thwarts her suicide attempt. Noni and Kaz feel an instant attraction, but those in their orbit oppose the romance for fear the pair will stray from the course planned out for both of them.
Cast & Crew
Gugu Mbatha-Raw
Noni
Noni
Nate Parker
Kaz Nicol
Kaz Nicol
Minnie Driver
Macy Jean
Macy Jean
Danny Glover
Captain David Nicol
Captain David Nicol
Machine Gun Kelly
Kid Culprit
Kid Culprit
Darryl Stephens
Quentin
Quentin
Critic Reviews for Beyond the Lights
Audience Reviews for Beyond the Lights
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Jul 07, 2015A cop saves the life of a suicidal rising star, and they begin a frowned-upon romance. While the film's heart is in the right place and its depiction of the music world is a well-aimed barb, there is something off about the pace and plot of this film. It is essentially an emotional, over-wrought scene followed by a montage, followed by an emotional, over-wrought scene, and the plot points of the romance are awfully quick and - you guessed it - over-wrought. The characters jump to conclusions that no real, reasonable lovers would reach, and when the plot calls for a sincere moment, the film settles for a montage that doesn't reveal enough about their journey. Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Nate Parker are acceptable in their roles, but in their tender scenes together, there's something insouciant about much of their acting, as though the characters they create aren't making real and vital decisions. Overall, Beyond the Lights would have benefited from reworking its plot and stronger performances.Jim H Super Reviewer
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Apr 09, 2015Despite predictable cliches and one really boring performance, Prince-Bythewood still constructed a surprisingly low key and mature love story. For something I assumed would be terrible, it's a remarkable accomplishment.Alec B Super Reviewer
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Feb 17, 2015Striking just the right amount of emotion without being too sappy, "Beyond the Lights" tells the story of a pop-star submerged in stardom, with no freedom from her mother, as she tries to grasp the concept of true love and reality. Fame can be hard, and this film explores both that and the ideal of a happy life without it. I absolutely loved how this film as executed, and it;s smart script isolates itself from any cliched story that may be similar to it. It distances itself from the predictable story you think it will be and opens your mind. "Beyond the Lights" helms a breakout star performance, a great script, anice balance of terrible and good music, and I thoroughly believe that this is a fantastic film that could have failed miserably. Overall, I highly recommend this film, especially to those who are skeptical or have no idea what it is.KJ P Super Reviewer
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Feb 14, 2015The usual tale of glamour in the spotlight and learning to find yourself because you cannot cope with it all. Very well performed with some actually really good songs. This surprised me and was far more entertaining than the synopsis will have you believe.Ian W Super Reviewer
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