Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Danish romantic drama has mature themes, strong language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
A Beautiful Life
What's the Story?
In A BEAUTIFUL LIFE, Elliott (Christopher) works a day job as a fisherman while trying to save up money to restore his deceased parents' boat, where he lives, to its past seafaring glory. One evening, he accompanies friend Oliver (Sebastian Jessen) on guitar for a music gig. When Oliver chokes, Christopher belts out the rest of the tune. His beautiful voice captures the attention of music producers Suzanne (Christine Albeck Børge) and Patrick (Ardalan Esmaili). Suzanne offers Christopher a load of money to come make music with her, partly as a ploy to get her emotionally-estranged daughter, Lilly (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas), to produce his music and stay home in Denmark. Elliott and Lilly fall in love, but when Elliott becomes famous seemingly overnight, Oliver comes back into his life looking to capitalize on Elliott's newfound fame, and Elliott and Lilly have a falling out.
Is It Any Good?
The Danes do melodrama well, and this romance -- set to melodic tunes by the blue-eyed pop star Christopher -- will tug at your heartstrings. A Beautiful Life is a small cut above many of the romances Netflix has churned out in recent years. Its dramatic points are a little edgier and a little less predictable, and the romance is more mature. Christopher makes a fine acting debut here and the film succeeds where it needs to, even if the singer's rise to fame and romantic relationship feels rushed, and some of the characters -- notably the mother and the producer -- rest heavily on clichés. The music is a nice addition.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the musician who plays the main character in A Beautiful Life. Did you find his acting convincing? What other examples of films can you think of that have starred singers?
Have you watched other films or series from Denmark? Did you find any similarities to this one?
How does this compare to other romantic dramas you've seen? Why do you think this genre is so popular?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : June 1, 2023
- Cast : Christopher , Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas , Christine Albeck Borge
- Director : Mehdi Avaz
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 69 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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