Beyond the Lights, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, is a love story involving a famous, hot female singer, Noni (Mbatha-Raw), who falls for a young cop, Kaz Nicol (Nate Parker). The two fight for a relationship, even though their careers lead them in completely different directions.

The two are both strongly pushed by their parents in their respective careers, so much so that they are against Kaz and Noni being together. As the two get closer and closer, Noni must deal with problems she has with her mother, who pushes her to be more and more successful, despite the fact that the lifestyle she is living is not one she is happy in. She starts to question what she really wants.

Noni deals throughout with the question of who she truly is and what she truly wants from life – herself, not her parents. Sorting out her own feelings is difficult, but Kaz’s love is what helps her.

This movie is rated PG-13 (sexual content including suggestive gestures, partial nudity, language and thematic elements). This is a great movie for anyone who enjoys drama and romance, but if you aren’t up for some sad scenes and introspection, avoid this one.