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New Movies: Bono: Stories of Surrender (2025) by Andrew Dominik: An Intimate Look at a Rock Icon

  • Writer: dailyentertainment95
    dailyentertainment95
  • May 29
  • 9 min read

"Bono: Stories of Surrender" is a documentary film directed by Andrew Dominik, which reimagines Bono's critically acclaimed one-man stage show, "Stories of Surrender: An Evening of Words, Music and Some Mischief..." Based on his memoir, "Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story," the film offers an intimate and lyrical exploration of Bono's life, revealing personal stories about his family, friends, faith, and journey as a son, father, husband, activist, and rock star. It features never-before-seen footage from the tour and stripped-down performances of iconic U2 songs.

Detailed Summary

"Bono: Stories of Surrender," set to premiere globally on Apple TV+ on May 30, 2025, is a groundbreaking documentary event directed by the acclaimed Andrew Dominik ("The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford," "Blonde"). This film is a vivid cinematic reimagining of Bono's successful one-man stage show, "Stories of Surrender: An Evening of Words, Music and Some Mischief...," which was inspired by his memoir, "Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story."

The documentary pulls back the curtain on the remarkable life of the U2 frontman, delving into the personal narratives and experiences that have shaped him. It explores the profound influence of his family, friends, and faith, revealing his journey from a boy in Dublin to a global icon. The film features an intimate blend of Bono's storytelling, direct from his stage performances, with exclusive, never-before-seen footage from his Beacon Theatre shows. Accompanying these narratives are stripped-down, acoustic renditions of iconic U2 songs, which gain new emotional depth in this intimate setting.

Notably, an immersive version of the film, "Bono: Stories of Surrender (Immersive)," will also premiere on Apple Vision Pro on May 30, 2025, making it the first feature-length film available in Apple Immersive Video. This 8K, 180-degree video with Spatial Audio aims to place viewers directly onstage with Bono, further enhancing the film's intimate and personal nature. The film is a co-production of RadicalMedia and Plan B Entertainment, reflecting a high-profile collaboration to bring this unique project to the screen.

Plot Summary

  • Based on One-Man Show: The film is a visual adaptation of Bono's "Stories of Surrender" stage show, where he recounts his life story.

  • Personal Revelations: Bono shares intimate stories about his childhood, the loss of his mother, his family life (as a son, father, and husband), and his journey through faith.

  • The Making of a Rock Star: He details the formation of U2, his rise to global fame, and his evolution as an activist.

  • Iconic Songs Reimagined: Throughout the narrative, Bono performs stripped-down versions of U2's most famous songs, which are interwoven with his storytelling to add emotional resonance.

  • Exclusive Footage: The film incorporates never-before-seen footage from the stage tour, providing unique insights into the performances.

  • Exploration of Contradictions: Bono confronts his own ego, regrets, and the complicated nature of his public persona, aiming for an honest and vulnerable portrayal.

Director's Vision

Andrew Dominik, known for his visually immersive and contemplative films that delve into the depths of the human psyche ("The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford," "Blonde"), brings his distinct style to "Bono: Stories of Surrender." His vision for the film is a "bold and lyrical visual exploration" of Bono's one-man show, aiming to create an experience that is both intimate and theatrical.

Dominik's approach likely emphasizes:

  • Introspection and Vulnerability: Given his past work, Dominik would focus on stripping back the public facade to reveal Bono's inner world, exploring his existential journey, contradictions, and motivations.

  • Atmospheric Storytelling: His films often feature a rich visual aesthetic, meticulous composition, and elaborate soundscapes to enhance emotional and thematic weight. This would translate to a moody and immersive presentation of Bono's stories and performances.

  • Beyond the Myth: Dominik is known for deconstructing legendary figures (e.g., Jesse James, Marilyn Monroe) to reveal their human complexities. His vision for Bono would similarly aim to go beyond the rock star myth to present a multifaceted portrait of the man.

  • Visual Reimagining of Stage: Rather than a simple concert film, Dominik's goal is a "vivid reimagining" of the stage show, likely using cinematic techniques and potentially archival footage to enhance the storytelling aspect, as well as the innovative Apple Immersive Video for Apple Vision Pro.

Themes

  • Surrender and Vulnerability: Inspired by the memoir's title, a central theme is Bono's personal journey of "surrender" – acknowledging his flaws, embracing vulnerability, and finding strength in faith and human connection beyond his public persona.

  • Identity and Legacy: The film explores Bono's multifaceted identity as a musician, activist, family man, and public figure, examining how these roles intersect and shape his legacy.

  • Family, Friends, and Faith: These foundational elements are highlighted as crucial forces that have challenged, sustained, and grounded Bono throughout his life and career.

  • The Power of Storytelling and Music: The film emphasizes how Bono uses both spoken word and the reimagined lyrics of U2 songs to convey his personal journey, connecting with audiences on a deeply emotional level.

  • The Man Behind the Icon: It's an attempt to demystify the larger-than-life rock star, offering an intimate look at the human being with his complexities, regrets, and moments of self-doubt.

Key Success Factors

  • Star Power of Bono and U2: Bono's global recognition and U2's iconic status guarantee a massive built-in audience and significant interest.

  • Acclaimed Director Andrew Dominik: Dominik's reputation for compelling, artful, and psychologically deep filmmaking lends significant artistic credibility to the project, attracting cinephiles as well as U2 fans.

  • Unique Format (Stage Show Adaptation): Transforming a critically acclaimed one-man stage show into a film, combined with exclusive footage and stripped-down musical performances, offers a fresh and intimate perspective.

  • Apple Original Films' Backing: Apple's significant investment, global distribution, and cutting-edge technology (like Apple Immersive Video for Vision Pro) provide a powerful platform and marketing reach.

  • Timely and Introspective Themes: In an era where audiences seek authenticity and vulnerability from public figures, Bono's exploration of his life's challenges and spiritual journey resonates deeply.

  • Cannes Film Festival Premiere: A world premiere at Cannes generates significant international buzz and critical attention, signaling the film's artistic merit.

Awards and Nominations

"Bono: Stories of Surrender" had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2025. While specific awards and nominations beyond this prestigious premiere are yet to be announced as of late May 2025, a Cannes premiere often positions a film for future awards consideration, particularly in documentary categories.

Critics Reception

Early reception, based on its Cannes premiere and pre-release buzz, suggests a nuanced and intimate portrayal.

  • Reviews & Dunn: Praised the film for being "unexpectedly human and moving" despite initial skepticism about Bono's ego. They noted that Andrew Dominik "brings both warmth and theatrical flair" and that the stripped-down renditions of U2 songs "transform from arena anthems into emotional stops along Bono's path." While acknowledging moments of "self-congratulatory 'Here's how I saved the world' zone," the review states Bono "openly confronts contradictions, regrets and the complicated nature of his legacy," concluding it "provides an honest and profound examination of dual identities as both a rockstar and a human being."

  • Variety (Owen Gleiberman, from a previous review of the stage show, likely influencing film reception): Wrote, "Watching Stories of Surrender, you come away knowing a great deal about Bono, feeling like you've touched his soul a bit, and that's mostly a captivating journey. But you're never convinced that he's on a mission larger than the song of himself.” This suggests a focus on Bono's personal narrative.

Overall Summary: Critics are acknowledging the film's intimate and vulnerable approach to Bono's life, highlighting Andrew Dominik's skill in translating the stage show's essence to film. While it offers a deep dive into Bono's personal story and music, some early observations suggest it maintains a focus on Bono's perspective.

Reviews

  • Focus on Intimacy: Reviews will likely emphasize the film's success in creating an intimate atmosphere, allowing viewers to feel a personal connection to Bono's stories and stripped-down performances.

  • Dominik's Visual Style: Critics will undoubtedly analyze how Andrew Dominik's signature visual aesthetic and contemplative pacing enhance the narrative and emotional impact, distinguishing it from a standard concert film. The use of black-and-white film is also a key element to be discussed.

  • Reimagined Music: The acoustic and reimagined versions of U2 songs will be a significant point of discussion, with reviewers assessing how these arrangements contribute to the film's introspective tone and reveal new layers in familiar tracks.

  • Bono's Vulnerability: The effectiveness of Bono's self-reflection, his willingness to share personal struggles, and how he addresses his public image and activism will be central to many reviews.

  • Comparisons to Memoir/Stage Show: Reviewers familiar with Bono's memoir or stage show may compare the film's adaptation, noting how the cinematic medium adds to or alters the experience.

Box Office

"Bono: Stories of Surrender" is an Apple Original Film and will primarily be released globally on Apple TV+. While it had a world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival and some limited advance screenings (e.g., in Dolby Cinemas for press and fans), its main distribution is via streaming. Therefore, traditional theatrical box office figures will not be applicable for its wide release. Its success will be measured by viewership numbers on Apple TV+ and its impact on subscriptions to the platform.

Production Summary

"Bono: Stories of Surrender" is a documentary film produced in 2025. It is directed by Andrew Dominik. The film primarily features Bono, along with musicians Jacknife Lee, Kate Ellis, and Gemma Doherty, who accompanied him during the "Stories of Surrender" tour. The documentary is a "vivid reimagining" of Bono's one-man stage show, based on his memoir. It includes never-before-seen footage from the Beacon Theatre shows and stripped-down performances of U2 songs. The film is shot entirely in black-and-white. Its runtime is not explicitly stated in current information, but it's referred to as a "feature-length film."

Production Companies

RadicalMedia (USA), Plan B Entertainment (USA), Apple Original Films (USA).

Sales Companies

As an Apple Original Film, Apple Original Films acts as its own sales and distribution entity globally.

Distribution Companies

Apple TV+ (Worldwide) is the primary distributor for "Bono: Stories of Surrender." It will be available globally on the streaming service. An immersive version will also be available on Apple Vision Pro.

Release date on streaming

"Bono: Stories of Surrender" will premiere globally on Apple TV+ on Friday, May 30, 2025. An immersive version for Apple Vision Pro will also be released on the same date.

Theatrical Release

The film had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2025. It also had a limited number of advance press and fan screenings in select cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, London, Dublin, Berlin, and Rome leading up to its Apple TV+ release. However, it is not slated for a wide theatrical release.

Why to recommend this movie

  • For U2 and Bono Fans: It offers an unparalleled, intimate look into the life and mind of one of music's most iconic figures, with unique performances of beloved songs.

  • For Fans of High-Quality Documentaries: Directed by Andrew Dominik, known for his artistic and deep explorations of subjects, it promises to be a visually stunning and thought-provoking film.

  • Unique Storytelling Format: The adaptation of a one-man stage show combined with exclusive footage and reimagined music provides a fresh and personal approach to a celebrity documentary.

  • Exploration of Deeper Themes: Beyond the music, the film delves into themes of vulnerability, faith, family, and the challenges of a public life, offering universal resonance.

  • Technological Innovation: The availability of an immersive version for Apple Vision Pro showcases cutting-edge filmmaking technology, appealing to early adopters and tech enthusiasts.

Why to Watch Movie

  • If you want to understand the man behind the rock star: The film promises to peel back Bono's public persona to reveal his vulnerabilities and personal journey.

  • For unique acoustic performances of U2 hits: Hear iconic songs in a stripped-down, intimate setting, offering new interpretations and emotional depth.

  • If you appreciate artistic and contemplative documentary filmmaking: Andrew Dominik's directorial style ensures a visually rich and intellectually engaging experience.

  • To explore themes of faith, family, and activism: The film delves into the core influences and passions that have shaped Bono's life.

  • If you're interested in innovative viewing experiences: The Apple Vision Pro immersive version offers a groundbreaking way to experience a film.

Movie Trend

"Bono: Stories of Surrender" is following the prominent trend of Intimate and Autobiographical Celebrity Documentaries (Often Streaming-Exclusive). This trend sees major streaming platforms investing heavily in documentaries that offer deeply personal and often vulnerable insights into the lives of famous figures, often based on memoirs or one-person shows. These films aim to humanize icons, explore their struggles, and provide exclusive access, catering to a global audience eager for authentic storytelling about public personalities. It also ties into the trend of Concert Film/Performance Documentary Evolution, pushing boundaries with immersive technologies.

Social Trend

"Bono: Stories of Surrender" is following the social trend of The Desire for Authenticity and De-Mystification of Public Figures. In an increasingly curated and scrutinized public sphere, there's a growing societal appetite for celebrities to reveal their true selves, acknowledge their flaws, and share their personal journeys beyond the polished facade. This documentary taps into that by offering Bono's vulnerable self-reflection on his life, faith, and family, resonating with a broader cultural shift towards valuing honesty and human complexity over idealized celebrity personas.

Final Verdict

"Bono: Stories of Surrender" is poised to be a landmark documentary, offering an unprecedentedly intimate and artistically crafted look into the life of one of the world's most recognizable figures. Under Andrew Dominik's contemplative direction, it transcends a mere concert film, evolving into a profound exploration of Bono's personal surrender, shaped by family, faith, and the immense weight of fame. With its rich storytelling, reimagined U2 classics, and the groundbreaking immersive experience on Apple Vision Pro, this Apple Original Film promises to be a must-watch event for U2 fans, documentary enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the complex journey of an icon. Its Cannes premiere underscores its artistic ambition, making it a highly anticipated release.


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