Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- melancholic
- sincere
- hopeful
- inspirational movie night
- music film night
What critics said
Critics broadly found the familiar coming-of-age framework entertaining and emotionally effective, particularly because of Anthony Anderson's performance.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
August's musical talent and Romelo's efforts to reenter the music world help both characters confront painful personal histories.
Romelo and August's friendship allows the teenager and the security guard to support each other's escape from isolation.
The characters pursue a place in Chicago's music scene through hip-hop performance and local relationships.
The film contrasts August's reclusive pain and Romelo's stalled life with the liberating momentum of making and performing hip-hop.
Films like Beats, and why
Hustle & Flow
shared coming-of-age drama, music-driven self-expression, and mentor friendship
8 Mile
shared hip-hop culture, adolescent vulnerability, and emotionally restorative mentorship
Roxanne Roxanne
shared youth-centered music drama, creative ambition, and intimate community setting
Movie Details
- Director
- Chris Robinson
- Release Date
- 2019-06-19
- Runtime
- 109 min
- Rating
- 6.7 / 10 (283)
Cast
- Anthony Anderson
- Khalil Everage
- Uzo Aduba
- Emayatzy Corinealdi
- Paul Walter Hauser
- Dreezy
- Julian Williams
- Megan Sousa
- Evan J. Simpson
- Ashley Jackson
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Beats about?
- A guarded teenage beat-maker and a frustrated security guard find mutual salvation by turning grief, guilt, and hip-hop ambition into a chance at reinvention.
- What is Beats like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Beats as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Beats violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Beats as mild.
- What did critics think of Beats?
- Critics broadly found the familiar coming-of-age framework entertaining and emotionally effective, particularly because of Anthony Anderson's performance.
- Which films are like Beats?
- Films with a similar feel include Hustle & Flow, 8 Mile, and Roxanne Roxanne.
- How long is Beats?
- Beats runs 109 minutes.
- Where can I watch Beats?
- In United States, Beats streams on Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads.
