Parents' Guide to Beautiful Rebel

This dramatic biopic about Italian rocker Gianna Nannini has some hits and some misses. One hit that makes Beautiful Rebel immensely watchable is the lead performance by Letizia Toni as Nannini, which is committed and thoroughly felt. At the end of the film, when actual footage of the real Gianna Nannini plays over hit songs and performances, viewers unfamiliar with Nannini will get a glimpse of how accurate and embodied Toni's portrayal is. Another hit that makes the film sing is how the film doesn't shy away from what made Nannini compelling, bold, and a true artist in the first place. It's clear that Nannini experienced many ups and downs, fighting against sexism, the music industry, and her own demons throughout her career. Her passion and love for music is caringly represented, with some great Nannini classics on display here and there.

Some of the misses come in the forms of awkward pacing, misguided focus, and a rushed ending. Despite establishing a clear origin point for Nannini's "rebel" vibe, once she finds success, the reasons for why she spirals out of control aren't so clear. Maybe it was the pressure of needing more hit songs or maybe it was too many drugs or perhaps it was because certain love interests didn't pan out. The film doesn't seem sure either. Consequently, the film meanders a bit in its middle third. And while some viewers might be fine with the film wishing to leave these decisions up to them to decide, for many these ambiguities will feel like the film lacks confidence or isn't brave enough to take a firm and clear stance. Additionally, the film treats Nannini's eventual lifelong partner like a plaything and then an afterthought, and some might feel like the film could have done more to show this queer love more respectfully and lovingly. Lastly, the film doesn't have time for a proper ending, and what serves as an one feels rushed.