Beyoncé: Life Is But a Dream – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Beyoncé: Life Is But a Dream

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2013

58%

WISE Score

6.6

IMDb

Beyoncé directs herself in this 2013 documentary that's part behind-the-scenes, part therapy session, and fully a controlled narrative.

6.6/10

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Beyoncé: Life Is But a Dream

movie

NR, 2013

58%

WISE Score

6.6

IMDb

Beyoncé directs herself in this 2013 documentary that's part behind-the-scenes, part therapy session, and fully a controlled narrative.

6.6

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6.6/10

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Screenwise Verdict

Here's the thing: this is a self-directed documentary, which means you're watching exactly what Beyoncé wants you to see—no more, no less. It's got some genuinely interesting moments about her creative process and some real vulnerability around her miscarriage, but the 6.6 IMDb and 3.8 Letterboxd ratings tell you what you need to know: even fans found it kind of meh.

By 2025 standards, it feels dated and overly controlled. The documentary genre has evolved so much since 2013 that this feels like watching someone's very expensive home movie. If you've got a teen who's obsessed with Beyoncé and wants to understand the music industry, sure, there's value here. But for most families, this isn't must-watch material.

The mature themes (miscarriage, relationship struggles, the psychological toll of fame) make it appropriate for 14+ only, and the introspective pacing means even interested teens might zone out. It's not bad, it's just... not particularly great either.

Age Fit

Best for teens 14+ who are already Beyoncé fans or interested in music industry careers. The mature themes and introspective pacing will lose younger viewers, and honestly, it'll lose most adults too unless they're deeply invested in her as an artist.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Self-directed documentary showcasing Beyoncé's professional journey, work ethic, and personal reflections. Models ambition and perseverance, though the tone is more introspective adult memoir than family-friendly content. Some emotional intensity around miscarriage and relationship struggles may feel heavy.

Imaginative

As a documentary, it's more reflective than creative. Offers behind-the-scenes glimpses of music production and performance artistry, but doesn't particularly invite viewer creativity or exploration. It's a straightforward biographical piece without innovative documentary techniques that might spark imagination.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 14+, suggesting some mature themes. Documentary format means no graphic content, but does address miscarriage, relationship tensions, and the pressures of fame. Some concert footage may include suggestive choreography typical of Beyoncé's performances. No violence or shocking content, but emotionally intense moments exist.

Enriching

Offers insight into the work ethic, creative process, and personal sacrifices of a major cultural figure. Shows the reality behind celebrity success and touches on themes of self-direction, artistic control, and balancing career with personal life. However, it's quite self-promotional and lacks critical perspective. IMDb 6.6 and Letterboxd 3.8 suggest it's not particularly compelling even for fans.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Rare glimpse into the work ethic and creative process of one of music's biggest stars
Models female entrepreneurship and artistic self-direction in a male-dominated industry
Honest moments about miscarriage and the cost of fame provide real emotional depth
Could spark conversations about ambition, sacrifice, and what success actually means

⚠

What to Watch For

Mature themes including pregnancy loss and relationship struggles—not light viewing
Some concert footage includes suggestive choreography typical of Beyoncé's performances
Self-directed means it's heavily controlled—you're seeing exactly what she wants you to see
Honestly kind of boring unless you're already a superfan; the 6.6 IMDb rating tells the story
Limited streaming availability makes it hard to even watch if you wanted to

Conversation Starters

"What do you think it takes to be successful at that level? Is it worth the sacrifices she describes?"
"She directed this herself—how do you think that changes what we're seeing versus if someone else made it?"
"What surprised you about what her life is actually like behind the scenes?"
"How do you think fame and constant public attention would affect your relationships?"

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