When an up-and-coming artist blows up, it's easy to get wrapped up in the hype and ignore anything deeper. There's all those magazine covers, awards shows, and music videos—most times you don't even have to ask who the artist really is.
That's what Beyond the Lights is about, as Gugu Mbatha-Raw (an up-and-comer in her own right) plays Noni Jean, a hot new artist who's succumbing to the pressures of fame before she meets the love of her life (Nate Parker). From there the movie is reminiscent of Love & Basketball—which shouldn't be a surprise as both movies were written and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood—but it remains a commentary on fast fame and the emotional tolls it can take.
In the clip above, you'll really feel both sides of the coin of success, as Noni wins her first Billboard Award all while a billion people are uncomfortably pulling at her. Everything has a price.
Beyond the Lights hits theaters on Nov. 14. Check out the full trailer below.
