Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé
Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé is a 2023 American documentary concert film written, directed, and produced by Beyoncé. Similar to Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé (2019), the film chronicles the development and execution of the singer-songwriter's 2023 Renaissance World Tour, conducted to support her seventh studio album Renaissance (2022).
Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé
Beyoncé
- Beyoncé
- Melina Matsoukas
- Justina Omokhua
- Mark Ritchie
- Erinn Williams
- John Winter
- Dax Blinn
- Irie Calkins
Tom Watson
- November 25, 2023 (Samuel Goldwyn Theater)
- December 1, 2023 (United States)
168 minutes[1]
United States
English
Beyoncé signed a distribution agreement with AMC Theatres and announced the concert film after concluding the tour in Kansas City, Missouri. The film depicts the creation of Renaissance and the production of the tour. Her husband Jay-Z; parents Mathew and Tina Knowles; cousin Angela Beyincé; and three children Blue Ivy, Rumi, and Sir Carter are featured in the film. Additionally, musicians Diana Ross; Megan Thee Stallion; Cardi B; Kendrick Lamar; and former Destiny's Child members Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, LaTavia Roberson, and LeToya Luckett all make appearances throughout the film. The end credits feature "My House", a 2023 single by Beyoncé in support of the film.[4]
The film premiered at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles on November 25, 2023, before the theatrical release in the United States on December 1.[5] The film received positive reviews from critics, who praised the concert footage, production, behind-the-scenes elements and Beyoncé's stage presence, and has grossed over $44 million at the global box office.
Reception[edit]
Box office[edit]
Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé grossed $33.9 million in the United States and Canada, and $10.5 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $44.4 million.[2]
In the United States and Canada, the film was released alongside Silent Night, Godzilla Minus One, and The Shift, and was originally projected to grossed $17–20 million from 2,539 theatres in its opening weekend.[29] After making $11.6 million on its first day (including previews), it went on to debut to $22 million, marking the second-best opening weekend for the first week of December, behind The Last Samurai ($24 million in 2003).[30] Following Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour in October, it marked the first time two different concert films opened at number one at the domestic box office in the same year.[31] In its second weekend, the movie bringing in $5 million and securing the sixth spot.[32][33]
In its first week overseas, the film made a $5.5 million gross from 94 countries outside the US and Canada, opening at number four in the UK box office and number six in Australia.[34]
Critical response[edit]
Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé received positive reviews from critics, with emphasis on the concert footage and the intimate behind-the-scenes elements.[35][36] On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 98% of 40 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 8.6/10. The website's consensus reads: "Part documentary, part concert film, RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ shows two sides of the artist—and they're both equally brilliant."[37] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 86 out of 100, based on 26 critic reviews, indicating "universal acclaim".[38] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film a rare average grade of "A+", while those polled at PostTrak gave it a 97% overall positive score, with 90% saying they would definitely recommend the film.[31]
In a five-star review for The Independent, Roisin O'Connor wrote that the film "shows a level of perfectionism beyond any other artist" through "a rare and remarkable" inside-look into the tour's production, comparing Beyoncé to filmmaker Steven Spielberg. O'Connor also lauds the "staggering" and "extraordinary" live performance segments of the film, concluding: "The tempo and sheer spectacle of it all leaves you breathless. No one compares."[39] The Guardian's Steve Rose praised the "affecting" and "intriguing" documentary segments of the film, which successfully "strip back the façade of perfection Beyoncé perpetually exudes" and provide insights into the "staggeringly accomplished" tour.[40]
Sughnen Yongo of Forbes wrote that the core of the film is "Beyoncé's unparalleled artistic mastery", which "seamlessly blends music, dance, and cinematography" into a "cinematic experience that is both vivid and authentic".[41] Ross Bonaime of Collider described the film as a "stupendous" and a " tremendous look at one of the biggest concert experiences in recent memory, as well as what makes one of the most iconic singers of our time tick", where Beyoncé "shows her underrated skills as a director" on "a whole other level".[42]
Mark Olsen of the Los Angeles Times described the film as "startlingly candid", with the "notoriously guarded" Beyoncé revealing behind-the-scenes insights from the tour and intimate moments with her family.[43] Writing for The Hollywood Reporter, Angie Han praised the innovative editing and maximalist set design, making the film "feel like a spiritual experience unto itself".[44] Katie Campione of Deadline also likened the film to a religious experience, with its "immersive" visuals and "breathtaking" performance.[45] Today's Arianna Davis agreed, writing that the film "stands apart in its breathtaking visuals" and noting that it was "made for the big screen".[46] Philip Cosores of Uproxx described Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé as "masterful, brave and affecting" filmmaking."[47]
The film was named the sixth best movie of 2023 by Essence[48] and the 20th best by Consequence.[49]
Impact[edit]
Shares for AMC, IMAX and Cinemark Theatres rose following the announcement of the film.[54] According to CNBC's Sarah Whitten, Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé will provide a "much-needed boom" for the film industry, which is still recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Shawn Robbins, chief analyst at BoxOffice.com, said that Beyoncé will fill the typically slow period between Thanksgiving and Christmas, which will in turn change how the industry approaches these "dead zones".[55] The film has ushered in a revival of concert films, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.[56] The Times suggested the film to be "the future of live music", aiding both the UK's live music industry and film industry.[57]
