Common Sense Media Review
By Fernanda Camargo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Inspiring family drama about Black teen equestrian.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Beyond Black Beauty
What's the Story?
BEYOND BLACK BEAUTY is about Jolie, a 15-year-old equestrian rising star. Her life changes completely when moves with her mother from an elite lifestyle in Belgium to the family's ranch in Baltimore, Maryland. It's new friends, new school, new horse. While adapting to her new life and learning why her father didn't come, Jolie decides to train a wild horse to pursue her dream of competing in the Olympics. As family secrets are revealed, Jolie's coming-of-age story sees her discover the true meaning of being at home.
Is It Any Good?
This series is a slow burn that becomes more interesting as it begins to unpack complex family dynamics. Beyond Black Beauty goes beyond the horse story that inspired the 1994 and Disney's adaptation of Anna Sewell's classic book. The horse, Beauty, serves as a mirror for the main character to understand herself and her own traumas, and learn how to deal with people (and horses!). A good option for co-viewing, the series is at its best when it focus on the family multi-generational relationships unpacking difficult mother-daughter relationships. Caretakers will appreciate the movie's perspective on adults, showing teens that no parent is perfect and are all doing the best they can.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about learning from your mistakes and the grey areas of Beyond Black Beauty. Many good characters make bad decisions even though their heart are in the right place. Can you remember a character who regretted their decision? Were they given a second chance?
Ask your kid to consider how difficult Beauty was when she arrived at the ranch. Why do you think Jolie was able to build a connection with the mare? What concessions she had to make to train with Beauty?
The family ranch is located in an urban setting and the characters ride their horses in the street. Is this common where you live? What considerations one must have when riding a horse in the street? Do you think the animal enjoys being close to traffic?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 15, 2024
- Cast : Kaya Coleman , Sagine Sémajuste , Lisa Bery
- Network : Prime Video
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Animals
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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