Beyonce’s Homecoming Film : Review

Black excellence and absolutely memorable are just a couple phrases used to describe the latest Netflix film, Homecoming, released by Beyonce, which gives fans and viewers an up close and personal look into her 2018 Coachella performance.

Beyonce, who needs no introduction, gave everyone a detailed insight filled with numerous behind the scenes footage of all the work and preparation leading up to her performance.

From the opening clip, we can see that she is in a class of her own. She walks the Coachella stage with a fierceness like no one else. Her dances are dressed in egyptian-like costumes, which certainly contributes to the Afrocentric theme that is emphasized by Beyonce in this film.

If you have ever seen the movie Drumline, then that is one of the many vibe you may feel, and rightfully so. Beyonce explained that she always wanted to attend a Historically Black College or University, and that was one of her inspirations for this Homecoming performance.

She wanted the audience to feel as if they were in the Battle of the Bands. She wanted a black orchestra, original steppers, and that is exactly what she received. While watching the dance rehearsals, there are so many different shades of melanin to admire.

Amazed by the different haircuts, talent, and swag of the dancers, Beyonce made sure that everyone ever looked down upon for not being the status quo was put on display. Every dancer has a unique style, and Beyonce fully represented African American culture in this show.

One of the most powerful moments was the Nina Simone monologue where Simone says that her job is “to somehow make them curious enough, or persuade them, by hook or crook, to get more aware of themselves, and where they came from, and what they are into, and what is already there, and to bring it out.”

Beyonce has definitely adopted this mindset, and she feels a responsibility to not only excite and entertain, but educate as well. She puts a focus on the importance of HBCU’s, showing quotes from HBCU graduates, in addition to clips of dancers and workers with their respective HBCU apparel.

The most admirable thing about this film was her willingness to disclose information about her difficult pregnancy. Before the long eight month process of rehearsals, Beyonce gave birth to twins. She explained how it was not easy on her body, acknowledging the toxemia and emergency c-section she had.

Returning from her pregnancy to prepare for Coachella, she described the extreme diet she put her body on. Cutting out all meat, dairy, carbs, sugar, and bread, it was astonishing to watch her dance while she battled her own internal thoughts questioning her ability to perform at a high level again.

When you find out that Beyonce took the time to pick out every dancer, fabric pattern, and even each light, you get a new level of appreciation for her hustle. She also reached a deal with Netflix to release two more specials, which will be worth 60 million dollars, according to Variety magazine.

Beyonce’s Homecoming is a must see for everyone. Whether a fan of her music or not, this film proves that she has surpassed her role as a music artist. She is an inspiration and influencer for people all over the world, and all we can say is: Keep up the good work.