Gugu Mbatha-Raw

‘Beyond the Lights’ is a film with a lot to say, but no idea how to say it

Gina Prince-Bythewood’s “Beyond the Lights” wants to say something profound about pop stardom and identity, but it winds up mired in melodrama and cliches. There is a palatable chemistry between Mbatha-Raw and Parker, and both leads give strong performances, but the film can’t seem to avoid steering into movie-of-the-week territory.