Beyond the Lights (2014)

PG-13 | 116 min | Drama, Music | 14 November 2014 (USA)

The pressures of fame have superstar singer Noni on the edge, until she meets Kaz, a young cop who works to help her find the courage to develop her own voice and break free to become the artist she was meant to be.

Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood

Writer: Gina Prince-Bythewood

Stars: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Nate Parker, Minnie Driver

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3125324/

Synopsis by Jason Buchanan

Romance ignites between a troubled young singer on the cusp of stardom, and a handsome young cop with political ambitions in this drama about the power of walking your own path. Noni Jean (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) is a talented singer whose ethereal voice has taken the world of music by storm. A glimpse beneath the surface, however, reveals a girl who's cracking under the pressure to top the charts. When Noni tries to end it all, concerned cop Kaz Nicol (Nate Parker) pulls her back from the ledge, and shows her that life is still worth living. Along the way, Noni and Kaz fall head over heels in love. Meanwhile, the powers that be conspire to keep them apart as well as focused on their respective careers. But without Kaz's love, Noni may never find her true voice.

http://www.allmovie.com/movie/beyond-the-lights-v592866

LOVED IT! Can't get this story off my mind.

15 November 2014 | by whocanfind-379-485123 (United States) – See all my reviews

This movie from start to finish was nothing short of amazing. Very here and now. Very real. Gugu and Nate Parker gives an exceptional performance in their roles. Even though I come from a very different life than Noni, I could relate to her feelings of not being seen or heard. I found myself feeling sorry for Noni, but wanting her so desperately to rise above all of it and find her own voice and embrace herself. I so appreciate how Gugu caused me as the viewer to feel every scene as if I am right there. I hope she continues to make great films. She was amazing in "Belle" and she surely did not disappoint in this one. Great job cast, writers, directors and producers of this film! I definitely plan to add this one to my video library when it comes out on DVD.