The ending of Beauty (2022) shows Beauty starting a new life with her lover, Jasmine, but also facing the harsh realities of the music industry.
Beauty (2022) is a drama film directed by Andrew Dosunmu and written by Lena Waithe. It premiered at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival and was later released on Netflix. The story follows a young Black woman named Beauty, who is on the brink of becoming a famous singer. She faces many challenges, including family pressures and the demands of the music industry.
Plot Summary
Set in the 1980s in New Jersey, Beauty tells the story of a talented young Black woman named Beauty. She dreams of becoming a successful singer. Her family plays a gigantic role in her life and career. Beauty’s mother, a former church singer, is protective and wary of the music industry. Her father sees Beauty as a financial asset, having invested heavily in her potential success. Beauty’s brothers, Abel and Cain, support her and believe in her ability to succeed.
The film shows Beauty’s journey as she navigates the challenges of fame and family dynamics. Her mother’s unfulfilled dreams and her father’s financial motivations add tension to her path to success. The narrative highlights the impact of fame on personal relationships and the struggle to maintain one’s identity.
Thematic Exploration
Beauty explores several themes, including the impact of fame on personal relationships, the exploitation within the music industry, and the struggle to maintain one’s identity. Beauty’s journey is marked by the tension between her desire for stardom and the sacrifices she must make to achieve it. The influence of her family, particularly her mother’s unfulfilled dreams and her father’s financial motivations, plays a significant role in her path to success.
The film also highlights the pressures Beauty faces from the music industry. She is advised to adopt a persona and prepare false answers to potential questions, emphasizing the need to conform to industry expectations. This advice highlights the industry’s demand for artists to compromise their authenticity for commercial success.
Ending Explained
New Beginning
The film’s ending signifies a new beginning for Beauty. After facing numerous challenges and making difficult decisions, Beauty decides to move to the city with her lover, Jasmine. This move represents a fresh start and a step towards independence. Beauty takes Jasmine to see their new apartment, and they share a tender moment, leisurely dancing to an adorable song as Jasmine opens the window to let in the city sounds. This scene symbolizes Beauty’s embrace of her new life and the possibilities that lie ahead.
Industry Pressures
Despite her excitement about the future, Beauty is quickly reminded of the harsh realities of the music industry. Her record company informs her that she is facing criticism from the Black community, who feel that her music should appeal to both Black and white audiences to achieve iconic status. The record label worker advises Beauty to adopt a persona and prepare false answers to potential questions, emphasizing the need to conform to industry expectations to become a superstar. This advice highlights the industry’s demand for artists to compromise their authenticity for commercial success.
Relationship Dynamics
Beauty’s relationship with Jasmine also faces scrutiny. Beauty requests that Jasmine keep their relationship private in public, a decision influenced by her supervisor’s warning that their public image could impact Beauty’s career. The supervisor’s indifference to their private lives underscores the industry’s focus on marketability over personal authenticity. This dynamic adds another layer of intricateity to Beauty’s journey, as she must navigate the pressures of fame while maintaining her personal relationships.
Reflection on Fame
The film’s conclusion leaves viewers contemplating the true cost of fame. Beauty’s mother, who has experienced the industry’s pitfalls firsthand, warns her daughter about the dangers of the music world. She fears that Beauty, despite her talent, may be torn apart by the industry’s exploitative nature. This cautionary note serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and challenges that come with pursuing a career in the spotlight.
Critical Reception
Beauty received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 22% based on 18 reviews, with an average rating of 5.10/10. Critics have noted the film’s attempt to comment on the damaging effects of the music industry but have also pointed out its emotional distance, which may hinder its impact on viewers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Beauty (2022) is a thought-provoking film that explores the intricateities of fame, identity, and personal relationships. The ending, which marks a new beginning for Beauty, encapsulates the central themes of the narrative. As Beauty steps into the spotlight, she must navigate the pressures of the music industry while staying true to herself and her loved ones. The film’s critical reception highlights its strengths and feeblenesses, offering viewers a nuanced portrayal of an artist’s journey to stardom.
