Back to Black (15)

★★★ Don’t write off this Amy Winehouse film. Sam Taylor-Johnson does a decent job of making a tight drama from a tragic yarn. ~ Irish Times.

---

The extraordinary story behind one of the greatest albums of all time, the new biopic based on the life of Amy Winehouse is a celebration of the most iconic – and much missed – homegrown star of the 21st century.

Painting a vivid, vibrant picture of the Camden streets she called home and capturing the struggles of global fame, Back to Black honours Amy’s artistry, wit, and honesty, as well as trying to understand her demons.

An unflinching look at the modern celebrity machine and a powerful tribute to a once-in-a-generation talent.  

Featuring many of Amy’s hit songs recorded and performed in the film by Marisa Abela.

---

★★★ A celebratory portrayal of Amy Winehouse, Marisa Abela displays abundant sass as the singer and Lesley Manville excels as her grandmother Cynthia in Sam Taylor-Johnson’s biopic. ~ The Times.

★★★★ Sam Taylor-Johnson’s compelling biopic resists pathos, and operatic flourishes, and seems like a genuine attempt to paint the late singer not as a doomed heroine, but a person — and a pretty extraordinary one at that. ~ Irish Independent.

★★★★ Taylor-Johnson’s best film to date is more interested in romance and creativity than demons or blame. ~ The Guardian.

★★★★ Obviously, it was going to be tough for Back To Black to surpass Winehouse’s 2006 album of the same name – what could? – but Taylor-Johnson’s film is more than deserving of your time. You’ll come away wanting to take a deeper dive into the remarkable artist that inspired it. ~ NME.

★★★ A competent if occasionally clunky biopic, enlivened by a superb Marisa Abela, who truly inhabits Winehouse and brings those songs to life. ~ Total Film.

★★★✭ A near pitch perfect performance from Marisa Abela raises this warm and affectionate biopic of tragic retro torch singer Amy Winehouse above the usual standard of recent rock star flicks. ~ RTE.

★★★ ~ The Telegraph.

★★★ ~ The Scotsman.