Breaking records and achieving new heights has become the norm for Beyoncé.
After Beyoncé released her Renaissance album in July of 2022 and promoted it by going on tour during the summer of 2023, she surprised fans by sharing she’d be releasing a film of the exquisite starry journey she’s embarked on: Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé.
With this film, fans can reminisce on the entire tour and follow the ‘Break My Soul’ singer’s road to success from early stages to fulfillment. The album gave listeners a new profound look at house and dance music, sending appreciation to the LGBTQ community and honoring her late Uncle Johnny. The film officially release on December 1st, targeting $30 million to $40 million, and has already scored a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Renaissance means rebirth, and Beyonce, in the film, narrates it as “new birth for us. A lot of healing.” Critics compliment the film by discussing its breathtaking visuals, intimate and liberating feeling, and celebration of talent, and they name it a “monument” to Beyoncé’s career.
On November 26, Beyoncé premiered the first showing of the silver-studded film in Beverly Hills at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Attendees included Tyler Perry, Laverne Cox, Lori Harvey, Issa Rae, Kris Jenner, The-Dream, Destiny’s Child members Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, LeToya Luckett, and Latavia Roberson, amongst many others. On November 30, a day before the film officially released in theaters, Beyoncé showcased her second premiere of the film in London. The biggest star in attendance was Taylor Swift, who had the first AMC concert movie theatrical, Swift’s “Eras Tour,” which Beyoncé supported as she attended the premiere in LA.
Throughout the film, viewers will be able to see backstage footage of intimate moments of Beyoncé with her family, including those with her firstborn, Blue Ivy. According to the LA Times, Blue is seen lovingly expressing to her mother to get some rest and not dwell too much on the details of a piece of staging. One can also spot different performances of the tour, including Bey’s fashionable outfits designed by the likes of Gucci, Balmain, Alexander McQueen and Louis Vuitton. During the film, we see Beyonce’s process and her confession, despite her performances, that she is “not a machine.” In the film, we even notice guest appearances from Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion, and Diana Ross, who actually came out to sing happy birthday to Beyoncé as her show in Los Angeles landed on her special day. Also, within the film, it was acknowledged that Beyoncé had suffered a knee injury and that she had to undergo surgery and physical therapy.
Beyonce continues to make the world stop and show us that she is a force to be reckoned with by continuing to show up and perform at an extraordinary level.
Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé can be seen in AMC Theaters with a running time frame of 168 minutes.
