Starring Beyonce Knowles-Carter, Folajolmi Akinmurele, Niyaniso Ntsikelolo Dzedze, and Stephan Ojo
Directed by Beyonce Knowles, Kwasi Fordjour, and many others
Music and Lyrics by various
By the time she appeared on the 2019 version of The Lion King as the voice of the adult Nala, Knowles had long-since broken from Destiny's Child and become one of the most popular and influential singers on the planet. She intended to make a small clip for a video from her Lion King-inspired album The Gift...which eventually snowballed into this lavish and elaborate exploration of African and black identity and culture. Was its huge success at a difficult time warranted? Let's head to the coast of Africa as a baby found in a basket begins his journey, and find out...
The Story: The young Prince (Akinmurele) is anointed as part of his tribe by an elder (Mary Twala) and his ancestor (Knowles-Carter) after his basket's found in the river. His father (Sibusiso Mbeje) teaches him the ways of the tribe and that his ancestors will always be looking down at him. He follows a monkey into the city and is confronted by his uncle (Warren Masemola) and his biker gang. After the bikers mow down his father, he flees to the city. He hopes to live in luxury, but ends up wasting his life away in the city. It takes a vision of his uncle, reuniting with his childhood sweetheart (Nandi Madida), and ascending to the ethereal plane to discover his true purpose and identity in life.
The Song and Dance: Wow. This was apparently a labor of love for Beyonce, and it shows in every frame, every lavish costume and beautifully filmed setting. The story may be thin, but it allows for the exploration of black culture, music, and identity in a beautiful, poetic way. This isn't a traditional musical, but a "visual album" of music videos, all relating to black identity via The Lion King story...but it still has some magnificent music, some of the most amazing costumes and hair styles I've ever seen in a film, and location shooting across six continents.
Favorite Number: We open with Beyonce in her floaty tattered gown, surrounded by ancestors and tribal elders while dancing on the coast as they explain to the infant prince that he's part of something "Bigger." His father and the elders encourage him to "Find His Way Back" and remind him of his p place in the world. "Don't Jealous Me" is his uncle's song in a warehouse as he lures him with gold and gambling and admits he wants to rule the tribe. The prince grows to maturity while dreaming of a fine home with lots of women in "Mood 4 Eva." "Already" sends him home, as he finally wakes up in the city and realizes he can't chase money forever. "Brown Skin Girl" gives us black womanhood in every shade and color possible, draping them in some of the most amazing and colorful gowns in a film brimming with them.
What I Don't Like: Did I mention this is a "visual album?" This isn't a straightforward story, but of a dreamy allegory about black identity separated into a series of especially lavish music videos. If you want something more straightforward or aren't interested in black culture, this is not the place for you. (Having seen either version of The Lion King helps, too.)
The Big Finale: If you're a fan of Beyonce or The Lion King, want to learn more about the state of black culture and identity, or just want to check out some of the most incredible hairstyles, sets, and costumes of the past two years, you'll want to join Beyonce on this trip through the spiritual plane too.
Home Media: It's a Disney Plus exclusive at the moment.
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