Renaissance Woman

Beyoncé’s new documentary takes us behind the scenes of her record-breaking world tour.

The hottest concert ticket this past summer was Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour. Now, fans of Queen Bey have an opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes view of the captivating show — thanks to the documentary “Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé,” for which its namesake serves as star, director, and producer. 

Recently, at the documentary’s premiere held at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, Beyoncé was fashionably late; but as the lights dimmed, Variety reported (with photographic proof later released on Beyoncé’s website) that she wore a strapless silver Versace gown paired with matching long-sleeve gloves and sandals. Celebrities who attended the premiere included Kelly Rowland, Chloe Bailey, Halle Bailey, Tyler Perry, Vanessa Bryant, Issa Rae, Laverne Cox, Gabrielle Union,and Lizzo. 

Beyoncé’s history-making Renaissance World Tour sold out in many cities, but now the documentary gives the public an opportunity to relive the concert experience and step into Beyoncé’s behind-the-scenes jubilee for the first time. 

The documentary clocks in at two hours and 48 minutes, and Beyoncé narrates throughout while shares candid family moments with husband Jay-Z and daughter Blue Ivy, 11 — who was also one of the concert backup dancers. Also, viewers can see glimpses of Beyoncé’s 6-year-old twins, Sir and Rumi. 

Freedom — being and living your most expressive and authentic self — seems to be the thematic frame for the Renaissance Tour. Even still, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see multiplexes crowded with filmgoers clad in the fashionable silver, sparkly outfits that became a signature at the concerts. 

According to the New York Times, almost every song that Beyoncé performed in her concerts is included in the documentary for all to enjoy. 

When the Renaissance tour arrived in Las Vegas, Beyoncé’s team invited Black Image to witness the spectacle; and we can honestly report that it was a spectacular event showcasing the 42-year-old Beyoncé at her best to the internationally-flavored Vegas audience. 

The famous “mute” challenge that concertgoers respectfully followed is also captured in the film, along with the monumental cheers for Blue Ivy as she dances with her mother and the other dancers on stage. The pride is heartfelt by many as Beyoncé watches her daughter perform. 

One Beyoncé voiceover in the film says it all: “Time is my biggest obstacle. It’s impossible to not realize how fast it’s going when you’re looking through the eyes of your children.”