Name: Beauty
Genre: Romance, Drama, Music
Released: 2022-06-29T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Gracie Marie Bradley, Aleyse Shannon, Niecy Nash, Giancarlo Esposito, Kyle Bary

The opening scene of Andrew Dosunmu’s “Beauty” (2022) lingers on Gracie Marie Bradley’s character, Beauty, her fingers dancing over piano keys as she pours her soul into a song that feels like both an anthem and a confession. This is where the film finds its pulse—a young singer at the crossroads of ambition, love, and familial expectations.

Dosunmu, known for his visually striking work in films like “Mother of George,” brings his signature aesthetic to this romance-drama infused with music. The cinematography is lush and immersive, particularly in the concert scenes where Bradley’s voice soars over the audience, a sea of faces bathed in the glow of stage lights. These moments are the film’s emotional peak, capturing the raw energy of live performance and Bradley’s commanding presence.

The story follows Beauty, a rising star torn between her domineering family—particularly Niecy Nash’s formidable mother—and her love for her girlfriend Jasmine (Aleyse Shannon). The tension between these forces is palpable, especially in scenes where Nash’s character looms over Bradley, her disapproval a physical force. Giancarlo Esposito, as Beauty’s father, brings a quieter gravitas, his performances marked by restrained disappointment.

The film’s strength lies in its ability to weave music into the narrative fabric. Songs aren’t just background noise; they’re extensions of Beauty’s inner turmoil. Bradley’s real-life vocals add authenticity, her voice a powerful instrument that elevates even the film’s quieter moments.

However, “Beauty” stumbles when it tries to juggle too many subplots. The industry pressures and familial conflicts sometimes feel disjointed, as if the film can’t decide whether it wants to be a love story, a family drama, or a music industry exposé. Sharon Stone’s brief appearance as a mysterious figure named “Colonizer” adds an intriguing layer but feels underdeveloped, leaving viewers wondering about her true purpose.

The performances are generally strong, with Bradley and Shannon sharing a palpable chemistry that grounds the romance. Yet, some supporting characters, like Micheal Ward‘s Cain and Kyle Bary’s Abel, feel one-dimensional, their roles reduced to plot devices rather than fully realized individuals.

Originality is where “Beauty” shines brightest. Dosunmu’s direction and Bradley’s music create a unique blend of romance, drama, and musical elements that set it apart from conventional narratives. The film doesn’t shy away from exploring complex themes like identity, love, and the cost of success, but it sometimes struggles to tie these threads together cohesively.

In the end, “Beauty” is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that soars when it focuses on its core strengths: Bradley’s music and the raw, unfiltered portrayal of a young artist navigating love and family.