Beauty
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Beauty
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Beauty is a fictional story set in the '80s about a young Black singer beginning a promising career. It follows the story of the talented musician named Beauty juggling the pressures of the music industry, her overbearing family, and her relationship with her girlfriend. The movie has strong language, including "f--k," "damn," "ass," the "N" word, and "s--t." Throughout the movie, Beauty has many affectionate encounters with her girlfriend. Though those closest to Beauty seem to know she's a lesbian, she's forced to keep it hidden from the public eye. Several characters in the film smoke, including Beauty, who appears to be a teenager at the beginning of the film. She's also seen accepting drugs. Characters drink. Though the movie is about a singer, the audience never actually gets to hear her sing. On a positive note, the main character is confident and self-assured. Though she isn't exactly role model material, her ambition to go for what she wants is admirable.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
In BEAUTY, a young, talented Black musician (Gracie Marie Bradley) aspires to be the next big thing, but to get there, she has to go through her controlling parents and a sketchy record exec. The movie follows the early days of the teenage girl named Beauty as her family pressures her to end her relationship with her girlfriend Jasmine (Aleyse Shannon) and sign a record contract. The daughter of a singer whose career didn't take off, Beauty hopes to go further. Her mother (Niecy Nash) is protective and seemingly jealous of her daughter's talent and timing. Beauty's father (Giancarlo Esposito) sees his daughter's talent as a financial opportunity and is emotionally abusive. Throughout the film her family makes several attempts to end the relationship between Beauty and her girlfriend, including when one of her brothers attacks Jasmine in an alley. The couple continue their relationship, though, and Jasmine stays by her side as both her assistant and her private love interest.
Is It Any Good?
In Beauty, a movie all about a talented young singer, it's disappointing that the audience never actually gets to hear her sing. The film has notable parallels to a young Whitney Houston's early life: a church choir singer from New Jersey with an overbearing father and a secret lesbian relationship. Though visually the story is compelling and filled with a fantastic cast, the movie never really takes us anywhere. There are images of Beauty coming out of the studio or singing in the studio, but her voice is muted. The relationship between Jasmine and Beauty is understandably complicated, especially given the 1980s time period, but instead of tackling the complexities of a hidden relationship, the film glosses over it, and leaves it on a confusing note. "Love prevails" was an almost positive message that is snatched away when Beauty flirts with a man in front of her girlfriend before the story ends abruptly.
There are a couple of notable moments, including a scene where Beauty prepares to sing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and watches tapes of both Judy Garland's version as well as Patti LaBelle's in an effort to decide which kind of performer she should be. Of course, the audience never actually gets to hear Beauty sing her version, so the audience never knows what direction she takes. However, perhaps never hearing Beauty's voice symbolizes the young star's voice and identity being silenced by her family and record execs. Either way, the story feels like it's leading us somewhere but never actually arrives. It doesn't manage to go into the deep issues at hand: a closeted relationship, industry corruption, or emotional family abuse. Beauty fails to hit the right note and leaves a lot to be desired.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the film's messages about the entertainment industry. How do the characters change when fame and fortune seem to be on the horizon?
What did you notice about the relationship between Beauty and her parents? Why were they so controlling? Does Beauty seem to miss out on doing what she wants because of her parents' influence?
Beauty's mother said "the world's not ready for that" in reference to Beauty's and Jasmine's relationship. How do you think Beauty's relationship with Jasmine might be viewed differently now?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: June 29, 2022
- Cast: Gracie Marie Bradley, Aleyse Shannon, Niecy Nash, Giancarlo Esposito
- Director: Andrew Dosunmo
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Arts and Dance
- Run time: 95 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: Rated R for language and drug use
- Last updated: July 6, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
The Bodyguard
Great Whitney Houston songs, mediocre love story.
-
CODA
Heartwarming, salty story about hearing teen in deaf family.
-
A Star Is Born
Cooper, Lady Gaga shine in tragic story of love, addiction.
-
Selena
Touching and ultimately tragic tale of young Tejano star.
-
Dreamgirls
Broadway + Beyoncé = big, boomy musical fun.
For kids who love dramas
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate