Beyoncé is coming — or rather, Beyoncé's Renaissance movie is coming. If you didn't catch the icon on her glittery, critically-acclaimed Renaissance World Tour, don't despair. You can still see the show from the comfort of a cushy movie theater seat, as Bey is bringing the Renaissance experience to your local multiplex.
Beyoncé shattered box office records with the tour, which grossed $179 million in August alone (!!!). The New York Times recently reported that RWT is the “highest-grossing [tour] by a solo female artist” in history, generating “an estimated $4.5 billion for the American economy, about as much as the 2008 Olympics did for Beijing.”
The superstar announced her next concert documentary on Instagram a few hours after her last tour date on October 1, posting a two-minute trailer and captioning it, “Be careful what you wish for, ‘cause I just might comply" in reference to her song “All Up in Your Mind" and the BeyHive's demands for the album's visuals since its release in July 2022. Below, find out everything you need to know about Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé.
Is Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé a concert film or a documentary?
According to a press release, Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé is both a concert film-slash-documentary that “accentuates the journey of Renaissance World Tour, from its inception, to the opening in Stockholm, Sweden, to the finale in Kansas City, Missouri."
What will Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé be about?
Similarly to Bey's 2019 Coachella documentary Homecoming on Netflix, Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé is an in-depth look at the musician's creative process when prepping for her biggest tour yet. "It is about Beyoncé’s intention, hard work, involvement in every aspect of the production, her creative mind and purpose to create her legacy, and master her craft," reads the release. “Received with extraordinary acclaim by International and U.S. media alike, Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour created a sanctuary for freedom, acceptance, and shared joy. Its maximalist production welcomed more than 2.7 million fans from around the world, who traveled across oceans to enjoy Club Renaissance.”
That joy is contagious, even in a two-minute clip. “The goal of this tour is to create a place where everyone is free and no one is judged,” Bey says in voiceover as videos of fans in their silver ensembles flash past, many screaming and crying with uninhibited excitement. The movie's description finishes with this uplifting teaser: "Now, millions of moviegoers will get caught up in the Joy Parade, the monumental dance party that celebrates everyone’s right to be themselves, close to home.”
It looks like we'll also finally be getting those Renaissance visuals we've been waiting for. Sources told Variety that the movie will include “highlights from the full 2023 run of the Renaissance World Tour, the long-awaited videos shot for the visual album Renaissance, and a docu-style account of recording the album and conceiving the tour.” In other words, we're being fed.
When does Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé come out?
The movie hits theaters in the United States, Canada, and Mexico on Friday, December 1, 2023.
What should I wear to see Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé?
Though the majority of Hive members will be seeing the film at their local theaters, feel free to draw inspiration from the dress codes Beyoncé has set for her two global premieres in London and L.A.; the United States premiere will take place in Los Angeles on November 25, while the world premiere event will be held in London on November 30. Per The Hollywood Reporter, invitations for the L.A. premiere included the dress code “Cozy Opulence,” while the dress code for the London premiere is listed as “Formal Opulence.” Noted!
Who will make guest appearances in Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé?
Beyoncé seldom does interviews and keeps her private life extremely private, so when she releases a new documentary, the world pays attention. In the trailer, we see cameos from her husband Jay-Z, daughter and Renaissance World Tour MVP Blue Ivy, and her rarely-seen twins Rumi and Sir.
How can I buy tickets to Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé?
Much like the tour itself, tickets for the movie are already a super hot commodity, so don't waste a second. Tickets are available now and Beyoncé even created a handy digital hub with all available retailers in one place, including AMC and Fandango. According to Reuters, tickets start at $22. According to THR, tickets for international territories, including Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, South America, and the Caribbean, will be available for purchase on November 9 at BeyonceFilm.com.
In true Beyoncé fashion, Renaissance will be beautiful, thoughtful, and packed with those insider details we crave. “I feel liberated,” she says at the end of the trailer. “I have transitioned into a new animal.” Gather your merch and start planning your chrome outfit, pronto.
