🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Chris Robinson
- Genre: Drama, Music
- Release year: 2019
- Runtime (length): 1h 49min
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10 (6.2K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A traumatized kid who only makes beats and a security guard who used to be a big shot in music, team up to become the next big thing, but mainly just work through their issues in Chicago.
🍿 Beats: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Trauma and Isolation
The film opens with a harrowing scene of violence, where young August witnesses the death of his sister, Kari, during a shooting. This traumatic event leaves August deeply scarred, leading him to become a recluse, isolating himself within the confines of his home and battling severe anxiety and panic attacks. He finds solace and an outlet for his emotions through creating music using his sister’s old equipment.

An Unlikely Connection
Romelo Reese, a former music producer now working as a security guard at August’s high school, recognizes August’s musical talent and sees an opportunity for redemption. Romelo, haunted by past mistakes in the music industry, believes that helping August can be a way to rectify his past failures. He becomes determined to mentor August and help him overcome his fears, even if it means confronting his own demons.

Finding a Voice Through Music
As Romelo and August begin to work together, they develop an unconventional bond built on their shared passion for music. Romelo pushes August to step outside his comfort zone, encouraging him to share his music with the world. Through this process, August begins to confront his trauma and rediscover his confidence, using his music as a means of self-expression and healing.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- August Monroe (Khalil Everage): A reclusive teenage musical prodigy grappling with PTSD after witnessing his sister’s murder, who finds solace in creating beats.
- Romelo Reese (Anthony Anderson): A down-on-his-luck high school security guard and former music producer seeking redemption by mentoring August and reviving his career.
- Carla Monroe (Uzo Aduba): August’s protective and supportive mother, struggling to balance her son’s needs with her own challenges.
- Niyah (Ashley Jackson): August’s classmate and love interest, who encourages him to overcome his fears and re-engage with the world.
- Mister Ford (Dave East): A local rapper who embodies the allure and dangers of the Chicago music scene that August and Romelo navigate.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Romelo Reese: “I hear the streets in your music, man. That’s real.” – Romelo acknowledging August’s talent and connecting it to their shared environment.
- August Monroe: “Music’s the only thing that makes sense.” – August expressing how music helps him cope with his trauma and the world around him.
- Romelo Reese: “I’m trying to do the right thing for once.” – Romelo explaining his motivation to help August, attempting to redeem himself from past mistakes.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 Beats Reviews
Personal Review
I really enjoyed Beats. It was raw, it was real, and it was emotional. Seeing August overcome his trauma and anxiety was truly inspiring, and the soundtrack was fire! The ending was unexpected, but I think that was what was so real and meaningful about it. Definitely a movie to make you stop and think.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of coming-of-age stories”
- “Viewers interested in movies about music and hip-hop culture”
- “Audiences who appreciate stories about overcoming trauma and finding hope”
- “Those seeking a realistic portrayal of life in Chicago’s South Side”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Gun violence”
- “Trauma and PTSD”
- “Language”
- “Drug use”
Professional Reviews
- IMDB: “Beats is one you’ll want to watch. Great acting and a great, heart-warming story. It takes a deeper look into the emotional effect of gun and gang violence. As well as anxiety attacks. But also touches on how POC individuals can thrive if they have access to help, knowledge and caring individuals.
- IMDB: “Beats is worth watching. Authentic look into life in Chicago. And deals with themes regarding mental health and gun violence, with an amazing soundtrack.
Audience Reactions
Amazing acting all around, especially from Anthony Anderson.: Movie is realistic and fresh with great characters that you will connect with.
The storyline really captures the essence of Chicago.: A truly heart-felt and touching story.
Overall Consensus: Beats is a movie that is very well received and is considered very heartfelt and real with the overall message of overcoming trauma while having amazing music. Some users had an issue with the ending, however.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film is set and was filmed in Chicago, aiming to realistically portray the city’s South Side and its music scene.”
- “Khalil Everage, who plays August Monroe, is a Chicago native himself, which adds authenticity to his portrayal of a young musician in the city.”
🖥️ How to Watch Beats?
Beats is currently available for streaming on Netflix. While it may not be available for rent or purchase on platforms like Prime Video or Apple TV, checking those platforms periodically is recommended as availability can change. Check local listings for potential broadcast options.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Beats, you might like these similar films:
- Hustle & Flow (2005): Features a character using music to escape their environment and pursue a better life, sharing themes of ambition and overcoming obstacles.
- 8 Mile (2002): Explores the life of a young rapper trying to make it in the music industry while dealing with personal struggles and societal pressures.
- Moonlight (2016): Deals with themes of identity, trauma, and finding connection in a difficult environment, sharing emotional depth and social commentary.
🛒 Beats Related Products
- Beats – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Experience the energy of Chicago’s hip-hop scene with the official Beats soundtrack. Featuring a mix of original tracks and established artists, this album captures the film’s raw emotion and vibrant soundscape.
- Art Print – Beats Movie Poster: Decorate your space with a high-quality art print of the Beats movie poster. This vivid and eye-catching poster showcases the film’s characters and themes, making it a must-have for any true fan.
- Beats Movie-Inspired Graphic T-Shirt: Showcase your love for Beats with this graphic T-shirt. Featuring a cool design inspired by the film’s artwork, this T-shirt is a comfortable and stylish way to represent your favorite movie.
🎧 Soundtrack
Beats features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Beats tells the story of August, a reclusive teenage musical prodigy, and Romelo, a former music producer, who form an unlikely friendship and help each other confront their past traumas through music. The film is set against the backdrop of Chicago’s South Side and explores themes of healing, redemption, and the power of music.
Beats was filmed on location in Chicago, Illinois, adding to the film’s authenticity and capturing the vibrant atmosphere of the city’s South Side. The film showcases real locations and neighborhoods, providing a realistic portrayal of the characters’ environment.
While Beats is a fictional story, it is inspired by the realities of life in Chicago’s South Side and the challenges faced by many young people growing up in similar environments. The film touches on themes of violence, trauma, and the power of music as a form of expression and healing, resonating with real-life experiences.
🔥 Bonus Content
Save the Cat Beat Sheet — Interstellar Explained in 15 Beats (Script Ending Explained)
Ever wondered why Interstellar’s story feels so compelling? This video breaks it down using the ‘Save the Cat’ method, revealing the hidden structure that makes the film work. Honestly, it’s like unlocking a secret code to understanding great screenwriting!
2 Ways to Beat The Platform (2019)
Intrigued by the twisted world of ‘The Platform’? This video dives into potential ways to actually ‘beat’ the system, offering a mind-bending perspective on the movie’s challenges. Personally, I think it’s a really interesting take on the movie and is worth checking out.
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