Beauty (2022) – How to Build a Star
Director: Andrew Dosunmu
Writer: Lena Waithe (Screenplay)
Cast: Gracie Marie Bradley, Aleyse Shannon, Niecy Nash, Giancarlo Esposito, Kyle Bary, Michael Ward, Sharon Stone
Plot: A gifted young Black woman struggles to maintain her voice and identity after she’s offered a lucrative recording contract.
Runtime: 1 Hour 40 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: Beauty starts as young singer Beauty (Bradley) is about to have her first big break. Her mother (Nash) doesn’t think she is ready, while her Father (Esposito) sees this as his payday. He doesn’t approve of her love, for her girlfriend Jasmine (Shannon). Having a mix of religious beliefs and thinking it could hold her career back.
Jasmine pushes Beauty to live her life. While Beauty is caught up in wanting what is best for her family. The struggle becomes real as the young star starts making waves.
Thoughts on Beauty (2022)
Characters
Beauty is the young star, trained to sing for years by the mother. The people around her see her as the potential next biggest global star. Her strict upbringing has left her conflicted about stepping outside her comfort zone. She must think about her public image, interview techniques and everything that comes with stardom. The only part of this career she never got trained in. Leaving her feeling conflicted about whether she really wants this.
Jasmine is Beauty’s girlfriend, she loves her and wants to support her career. She doesn’t have the same beliefs her family does, often making her the outsider in the home. Like Beauty, she will need to learn to adapt to a chance in life, when Beauty becomes a star. She is often left behind in the biggest meetings in Beauty’s life.
Beauty’s Mother was once a big singer, she knows how the world can treat people. Her strict training has turned Beauty into a potential star. She is bitter towards the world that let her go in the past.
Beauty’s Father is a strict religious man, he demands rules are followed in his home. He wants Beauty to become a star, so he can live off the money she can bring the family. Not being favourable to Beauty’s relationship, even looking at options to end it.
Performances
Gracie Marie Bradley is wonderful in the leading role. Bringing her character to life in a way that shows how conflicted with stardom. Showing how unprepared she is for the next stage of her career. Aleyse Shannon gives us a strong supporting role, one that shows the character in the shadows of stardom. Niecy Nash and Giancarlo Esposito are excellent parents who have their own agendas with the rising star. They show us the greed young stars must deal with, even though they support her.
Story
The story follows a young star being thrown into a stardom position suddenly. Where the producers believe she could be the next big thing, her parents are taught her skill. The story focuses on the moments before the big break, where the pressure starts to show on the young star.
This is an interesting way to show making a star. Putting the spotlight on how the family are preparing for this moment. The producer is waiting for the right moment to put the spotlight on her. Along with the family drama of different wishes towards making it happen. It doesn’t show the career, it is all about the journey for that moment to shine and what it does to everyone around her.
Final Thoughts – Beauty (2022) is a wonderful drama, with a unique angle to make it different.
