Who runs the world? Be careful, there is a wrong answer. And that answer would be anyone other than Beyoncé. If you answered the first question correctly, then you will be ecstatic to hear that on April 17th, Beyoncé’s documentary “Homecoming: A Film By Beyoncé” makes its debut on Netflix.
That’s right, lemons and gents, Netflix will soon release a documentary entirely dedicated to The Queen of Pop herself. This is the first documentary about the artist since 2013, when she released the self-directed project, “Life Is But a Dream.” The new documentary will have a less homemade feel than “Life Is But a Dream,” and will focus on her performances and artistic vision rather than the wider scheme of her life. It’s sure to display Bey in all her glory, and more specifically her world-changing, show-stopping Coachella performance in 2018.
Netflix’s tweet about the project stated, “‘Homecoming: A Film By Beyoncé,’ will be interspersed with candid footage and interviews detailing the preparation and powerful intent behind her vision, [the movie] traces the emotional road from creative concept to cultural movement.”
The highlight of the film will be Beyoncé’s Coachella headliner in 2018. In the midst of killer vocals, lights, choreography, and the works, the headliner featured her husband Jay-Z and sister Solange, as well as her previous girl group, Destiny’s Child. This show was intentionally curated to honor Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). She supported them by including marching bands and step teams from various HBCUs in the performance, as well as sporting their Greek life paraphernalia. After the show, she announced she would be expanding the scholarship fund she created to support and carry on the valuable HBCU culture.
In The New York Times, Jon Carmanica said, “There’s not likely to be a more meaningful, absorbing, forceful and radical performance by an American musician this year, or any year soon.”
“Homecoming” will center around what makes Yoncé’s art so progressive and ambitious. It will give lifelong fans a chance to finally see into the mind of the genius they jam with best.
No doubt we will see Bey’s children: Blue Ivy, Sir and Rumi, as well as Jay-Z in the film, seeing as how they are featured in the trailer that was released April 8th. The trailer displays Beyoncé in all of her rawness, as well as flawlessness. From shots of her in the gym, to holding Blue Ivy, to chillin’ in her sweats, to dominating Coachella, to making history at the Super Bowl. All of these clips are nicely juxtaposed, cutting between the different milestones she has crossed in glory.
In the background of the trailer, the iconic voice of recently deceased poet and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou saying, “What I really wanted to do is be a representative of my race - of the human race. I have a chance to show how kind we can be, how intelligent and generous we can be. I have a chance to teach and to love and to laugh. And I know that when I finish doing what I’m sent here to do, I will be called home.”
If this film truly does Beyoncé justice, the beehive might just come out with even more reasons to be lemonade crazy. All the commotion over the project has even caused speculation that Bey might drop some new music on us soon. But perhaps we can only dream of such a thing.
If I know anything for sure, it’s that a notorious Bey-loving hall on the north side of the third floor in Carter Hall will be thanking their lucky lemons on April 17th. Shameless self plug: 3N4L.