‘Bono: Stories of Surrender’ review (Cannes 2025): poignant and intimate

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After attending the debut of “Bono: Stories of Surrender” at the Cannes Film Festival, I wasn’t certain about what to anticipate, given my long-standing relationship with Bono and U2. I assumed that the documentary might be dominated by Bono’s larger-than-life (and occasionally exhausting) persona.

Initially, I thought I’d encounter plenty of Bono, but surprisingly, I left feeling remarkably peaceful about his character overall. Furthermore, the subtle grace of “Stories of Surrender” touched me deeply.

As a movie critic, I must say, Andrew Dominik’s latest film is a captivating exploration of Bono’s raw, unplugged performance at the iconic Beacon Theatre in New York City during the year 2023. This cinematic journey takes viewers on an intimate tour through his songs and personal narratives about his upbringing, meaningful relationships, and artistic metamorphosis.

In a bold move, Dominik opted for a black-and-white narrative, which initially appeared as an attempt to emulate the timeless, arthouse aesthetic. However, as the film unfolded, I found this choice added a rawness that resonated deeply and provided an authentic experience, at least for me. The stark contrast of black and white seemed to strip away any pretense, offering a poignant glimpse into Bono’s life and music.

The choice of aesthetics eliminates unnecessary elements, allowing Bono and the musicians to transform the songs into even more emotionally impactful renditions. Accompanying Bono beautifully are Gemma Doherty (vocals and harp), Kate Ellis (vocals and cello), and Jacknife Lee (musical director and keyboardist).

As a movie reviewer, I’ve got to say that Bono truly shines as a storyteller in “Songs of Surrender.” Whether you see him as over-the-top, grating, heartwarming, or spellbinding, he masterfully dissects his emotional journey to fit the intimate atmosphere. The minimalist stage setting – just a table and chairs symbolizing his U2 bandmates – creates an introspective backdrop.

In this black-and-white world, Bono shares tales from his past, revealing that two of the most serendipitous moments in his life occurred simultaneously: meeting his wife and joining forces with his bandmates – The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. This moving account offers a unique glimpse into the intertwining threads of fate and fortune that have shaped one of the world’s most iconic musicians.

In simpler terms, the song “Bono” (originally named Paul Hewson) delves into his complex bond with his father, Bob Hewson, who often questions his son’s achievements. The phrase “Anything strange or startling?” is usually exchanged between them, marking the transition to various conversation topics Bono examines through the prism of his father’s perspective. This exchange serves as a tool for Bono to navigate these stories and his continuous quest to grasp Bob better. It offers a meaningful approach for him to explore these anecdotes and satiate his ongoing curiosity about his father.

In the heartwarming drama, “Stories of Surrender“, the staged talks at the bar between the protagonist and his father are pivotal, especially an entertaining and touching tale about Princess Diana. Following this emotional exchange with his father, there’s a new musical achievement for Bono – a collaboration with the renowned tenor, Luciano Pavarotti, on their rock opera track, “Miss Sarajevo”.

The partnership with the Italian tenor serves as a connection for the Hewsons – father and son – and their unforeseen cooperation earns appreciation from his seemingly stern yet opera-enthusiast father. Additionally, this segment offers some of the most insightful, yet humorous anecdotes in the documentary, such as Clayton and Mullen Jr.’s escapades trying to avoid Pavarotti.

This documentary reaches new heights when it delves into Pararotti’s impact on the Hewsons’ bond, effectively providing a heartfelt, posthumous reconciliation through their shared musical journey. Personally, Bono’s rendition of one of Pavarotti’s famous arias struck me most profoundly; it was sung primarily in honor of his father, growing stronger with each note. This moving performance left a lasting impact on me as I exited the theater at Cannes.

In other instances of sincere self-examination, Bono acknowledged his own hypocrisy during moments of personal contemplation while simultaneously asserting that the positive impact he’s made justifies the label. I found this genuine introspection commendable. Initially, I wasn’t particularly fond of the artist personally (although I enjoy his music), but I have to admit that his memoir, “Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story,” and this candid documentary provide an emotionally stirring account of his life story.

Bono: Stories of Surrender is available on Apple TV.

4 out of 5 stars for its heartfelt narrative and the captivating way it’s presented on screen. The execution is flawless, making it impossible not to appreciate the tale, regardless of personal feelings towards Bono.

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2025-06-04 18:14