Back to Black, the new biopic about the late Amy Winehouse, sadly misses the mark, offering a dull and inaccurate portrayal of her life. The film prioritizes the men in her life, overlooking her musical prowess and achievements. With a convoluted script, sluggish pacing, and lackluster production values, the movie feels like a game rather than a cinematic experience.
The saving grace is Marisa Abela’s committed performance as Winehouse, capturing her charisma and humor. However, the use of Abela’s voice rather than Winehouse’s own is a disrespectful slap in the face.
A Still From Back to Black 2024 (Via IMDB)
Furthermore, the film’s handling of Winehouse’s demise is insensitive and disrespectful. It attempts to sugarcoat her struggles, failing to convey the profound shock and grief her death caused. The film perpetuates the harmful narrative that Winehouse was constantly ridiculed, neglecting the immense love and admiration she commanded.
Ultimately, Back to Black does a disservice to Amy Winehouse’s legacy. For a true understanding of her brilliance, one should turn to the more insightful and heartfelt documentary Amy (2015) instead.
