Not Approved

Beyond the Lights

A talented young musician on the brink of super stardom struggles with the pressure of her new-found success.
16
Negative Rating
12345
SexLanguageViolenceDrugsNudityOther
0
Positive Rating
12345
FaithIntegrity

Dove Review

Gugu Mbatha-Raw does a terrific job in playing the talented Noni, a singing sensation that happens to have a mother named Macy (Minnie Driver) that is the driving force for Noni to become successful. However, sexually suggestive dancing, skimpy clothing, and singing doesn’t bring Noni fulfillment and she attempts suicide but is prevented from making it happen. Noni is at the point she doesn’t care about anything any more.

Nate Parker plays Kaz, a cop that comes to her rescue and tells her, “I see you.” Later, Noni is determined to find this cop because she has to know, “What did he see?” He wants her to sing for herself and leave the sleazy side of the industry alone, and to stand up to her mother, as Macy is controlling. How will it all end? Well, regrettably, we would not encourage families to see this film as it contains strong language and sexual content. Parents would definitely be uncomfortable with their teens and kids seeing this film. Despite the obvious talents of Noni, we unfortunately cannot award this movie our Dove “Family-Approved” Seal.

Dove Rating Details

0
Faith

None

0
Integrity

A man punches another man; a woman breaks a glass and bloodies her arm; character slapped across face; character fires gun at other character; man repeatedly hit in face and his face is bloody; character appears to have been shot in leg.

4
Sex

Passionate kissing; couple seen a bit in motion having sex but nothing graphic or no nudity is shown; crotch grabbing; references to having sex; dancers thrust pelvic; sexual comments or innuendos; woman shakes rear in front of other woman and then in front of man; a kind of mime hinting at oral sex and possibly rape.

4
Language

J-1; G/OMG-5; F-1; S-14; A-10; H-6; D-3; B-3; Slang for having sex-6

2
Violence

A man punches another man; a woman breaks a glass and bloodies her arm; character slapped across face; character fires gun at other character; man repeatedly hit in face and his face is bloody; character appears to have been shot in leg.

2
Drugs

The drinking of beer and champagne; a character appears to be drunk; one character states that performing is better than any high from a drug.

2
Nudity

Strong cleavage at times; shirtless men; women in short skirts and tight clothing; rear cheeks seen of woman in photo; woman covers otherwise bare breasts.

2
Other

A woman attempts suicide and is stopped; tension and disagreements between characters.

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