Next on Netflix: Beyond the Lights

image via bet.com

Scrolling through the recently added movies on Netflix, I came across this gem, Beyond the Lights. I remembered seeing the previews for this movie and decided to give it a watch, and I'm glad I did. It's like a Nicholas Sparks movie, but with actual cultural understanding and not just a bunch of white people running around and crying. This romantic drama covers love, family, image, politics and the music industry, and with that combination, there is no reason why you shouldn't love it. But if you aren't opening up another tab right now to watch it, I'll give you some reasons why you shouldn't pass this movie up.

The People: 
The main character, Noni, is played by the drop dead gorgeous Gugu Mbatha-Raw. And lucky her because she gets to cozy up next to Kaz, played by Nate Parker, who I personally think is so cute and so fine all at the same damn time. *exhales whipping sweat off forehead* But let's not forget Minnie Driver, Danny Glover, and Aisha Hinds, pulling together the strong cast. Also, Machine Gun Kelly makes the roster as Noni's boyfriend.

Now that we have a bullet proof cast, let's move onto the important thing.

The Style: 
Noni's whole sexy singer thing seems to be working out for her, but the clothes she wears are a little much in my opinion. I think the costume designer should have gotten some tips from Rihanna or Beyonce, because as we all know, they both kill the sexy yet classy outfit game. But I do give the stylist some cred, because Noni's hair game was strong after she took out her weave. She looked so amazing it almost brought me to tears (no lie, my eyes were watering.) Also Kaz's sneaker game is on point the whole movie. Snaps to you!

Okay important stuff out of the way, I guess we can move onto...

The Plot: 
Noni has been singing her entire life, with her mom by her side. But literally, her mom becomes her manager and never leaves her side. She is at her concerts, photo shoots, contract signings, you name it... Kaz is a policeman who has to guard Noni's door one night, and ends up saving her from committing suicide, and that's where the sparks fly. Both Noni and Kaz have parents that want them to keep a certain image, but neither of them want to comply. You'll fall in love with Kaz and wish you could be Noni, or at least be the friend she desperately needs in her life. And then at the end, you'll pray that your most beloved artists, singers, and musicians aren't really the person Noni starts out the movie as, but the person she becomes in the end.

Laugh, cry, gasp and then feel all warm and fuzzy inside smiling at your computer screen when you watch this movie.