Unlike the typical “Star is Born” framework, this film starts as the young singer (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) is already tormented by her fame. It’s not a music industry plot at all, but a love drama about her attraction to a young cop (Nate Parker), who was assigned to protect her. Mbatha-Raw (best known as the black beauty in “Belle”) takes on a very different role as this Rhiana-type sexy singer and she’s completely compelling, not to mention she can sing! Parker has plenty of leading man charm (not to mention that body). The story starts with music biz glamour, but the slowly turns into a romance. Luckily, the actors handle it well, even as it deteriorates into predictable mush.
(3 / 5)