Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ film takes us into the audience — and behind the scenes

Pop music fans were spoiled this year with world tours from two of the biggest artists in the history of, well, everything: Taylor Swift and Beyoncé.

They were spoiled once again when both divas (and we mean that as a compliment) decided to release concert films of their shows for fans to relive or see for the very first time.

Swifties got their movie in October, and on Nov. 30, it was the Beyhive’s (Beyoncé’s fan base) turn to see their idol on the big screen in “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé.”

After catching “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” earlier this fall, features producer Sarah-Mae McCullough, a listener of Beyoncé who’s never been to one of her concerts, and multiplatform editor Yasmeen Wafai, a not-quite Beyhive but big Beyoncé fan who saw the Renaissance tour when it came to Seattle in September, went to see the film. The experience wasn’t what one would typically expect from a concert film, but was a visual and musical treat that gives viewers deeper insight into the typically private star. 

The movie: More than a concert film

Sarah-Mae: “Renaissance” opens with Beyoncé belting out “Dangerously in Love 2,” as thousands of fans in the stadium whoop over her vocal power and a breeze blows her long hair out behind her — a Hollywood-esque image of perfection. But, as we settled in for our second concert movie of the season, I quickly realized this film wasn’t just about bringing the show into theaters.

Yasmeen: But what a show it is. With a Beyoncé concert, you can always expect excellent choreography and otherworldly vocals. Beyoncé’s mic is always ON, as the kids say. Her voice is a silky smooth dream and she outdoes herself vocally many times throughout the concert.

Sarah-Mae: The film alternates between behind-the-scenes moments and concert footage. Between dazzling performances, we see Beyoncé laughing with her kids, confidently directing camera and lighting staff (but sometimes struggling to get them to listen to her) and talking about the personal cost of hustle culture. We get to meet, as Beyoncé puts it, the three different, contrasting versions of the star: the nurturing mother and wife (that’s the true her, Beyoncé tells us), the strategic visionary running business behind the scenes and the confidence-exuding performer.

Yasmeen: Speaking of being a mother, while Beyoncé is, of course, the star of the show, the film also highlights another star in the making who I just have to talk about: her daughter Blue Ivy. I was holding back tears when we got a behind-the-scenes look at how Blue came to join her mom and the backup dancers on stage during the tour. The film reveals how she fought to perform; Beyoncé didn’t think a stadium show in front of thousands of people was an appropriate place for an 11-year-old. But Blue was determined and proved she could do it after much practice.

Hearing about the dedication she had at just 11 years old and how proud her family was of her really moved me. The part of the concert where she came out was also my favorite when I saw it live. The audience went absolutely wild for her (as did I).

Sarah-Mae: When Beyoncé called out, “That’s my bloodline,” as Blue entered the stage and started her choreography during “My Power,” I got chills down my arm for the first time. Then a second time as I watched Blue lead the dance lineup to “Black Parade” in a head-to-toe shimmering camo suit, with a look of determination similar to Beyoncé’s — though a little shyer and less fierce. 

It was one of those moments where Beyoncé’s offstage dialogues — she talks about opening the door for future generations and the assumptions we make about motherhood — provided the perfect context for what we see on stage.

Yasmeen: The concert portions of the film are visually such a treat. Not only is every inch of the production precise, but a creative decision was made to rotate between footage from different performances, meaning Beyoncé and her dancers’ outfits change many times throughout the film, sometimes to the beat of the music. It’s something she also did in her 2019 concert film/documentary “Homecoming” (which I learned Sarah-Mae had not seen!) that I thought was just so cool. And she had A LOT of outfits on this tour, so might as well show off as many as she can!

Sarah-Mae: If you, like one audience member we talked to after the show, get confused: No, she is not just magically changing onstage in split seconds! Cutting together performance shots from various shows added to the documentary aspect of the film; you almost feel the passage of time and all the sweat that went into recreating the show again and again. 

Yasmeen: And if you’re someone who saw the show live but didn’t have a great view (raises hand), the concert portions of the film might feel completely new to you. There was so much I couldn’t see and hear in the 300-level of Lumen Field, especially since the stage had a circular cutout where, inside, a variety of things could be happening like Beyoncé’s band jamming out on disco ball risers, Beyoncé coming out of a clam, or inflatable hands placed in front of a giant screen meant to give a 3D effect. If all that sounds “extra,” it’s because it is and Beyoncé herself embraces it.

The experience: A dedicated, but mellow, audience

Sarah-Mae: After watching “Eras” at 6 p.m. with an audience largely made up of middle schoolers, we opted for an 8 p.m. showing at the U-District AMC, thinking it might draw a rowdier crowd. I wouldn’t describe our movie mates as rowdy per se 一 but the appropriate “yas-es” and applause whenever Beyoncé showed off her vocal range proved we were among true fans. 

Yasmeen: People weren’t up and dancing during the film, perhaps because of the part-documentary nature of it. Although, I’m sure it will happen at some screenings because, at least for me, it is extremely hard to NOT dance to Beyoncé’s music.

Sarah-Mae: I definitely think the documentary aspect kept people in their seats and made it less of a concert experience. No middle schoolers swaying and singing in the aisles, this time! There weren’t as many people dressed up, either — though we did meet one dedicated fan decked out in a sparkling cowboy hat and chrome jacket.

Yasmeen: Yes! When I asked if she was a big fan, she didn’t hesitate to proclaim herself as Beyhive. She told me she has seen the Renaissance tour six or seven times (!) and Beyoncé live a total of about a dozen!

Sarah-Mae: I’m glad at least someone went all out. Something else that made this more than your typical moviegoing experience was that, at AMC Seattle 10, which has a bar, we could order a fun, themed cocktail called “ALIEN SUPERSTAR” after Beyoncé’s song of the same name.

Yasmeen: I liked the cocktail! But it’s essentially just a $15 paloma, so do with that what you will. We were also handed a free mini poster upon scanning our tickets, and fans could purchase Renaissance popcorn buckets and cups.

In conclusion: A true queen bee

Yasmeen: While I was preparing to see Beyoncé live for the first time back in September, it struck me that I have not known a life without her. Destiny’s Child released their first song in 1997, the year I was born. As someone who is very into pop culture, Beyoncé has always been a constant for me. This film only solidified my respect and admiration for a creative visionary who has a hand in every inch of her shows from the lights to the music to the fashion. 

Sarah-Mae: Though it wasn’t as much of a concert experience, I preferred Beyoncé’s behind-the-scenes approach to more straightforward concert films, even my hero’s “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour.” The brave choice to show us a more vulnerable side of her life behind the sheen of widely recognized Beyoncé perfection made the show resonate even more powerfully for me. 

She says in the film that, like the rest of us, “I’m a human, not a machine.” 

If Beyoncé can struggle with burnout and balance, injuries, and people who don’t take her seriously but can turn that adversity into moving lyrics and show up fearlessly on stage, who’s to say we can’t all tap into our ultra-confident sides, too?

Yasmeen: Part of what’s fascinating about Beyoncé, for me, is that she simultaneously boasts about being “that girl” while also staying humble and true to her roots. This film shows exactly why. Her grit and determination to be the best gives her the right to declare herself a “queen bee,” but the unwavering support of her family is what has allowed her to remain steady over a nearly three-decadelong career.