By Haley McNulty – Entertainment Editor

If you had to decide between your career and your happiness, which would you choose?

Noni Jean, an up-and-coming artist is faced with this question, in the movie “Beyond the Lights.” Having already won a Billboard Music award before even releasing her new album, it seems Noni’s life has already been paved for her by her sometimes verbally abusive single mother who is only driven with the hope of success.

But after winning this prestigious award, Noni wonders if this is who she is – and who she wants to be. Deciding to end her life, she meets Officer Kaz only when she is perched on the balcony of her hotel room, ready to take the leap. After saving her, the pair falls for each other.

With important careers at stake, the two much choose between what they want, and what their families want.

The movie begins with an anecdote from Noni’s childhood to provide insight into how she was raised; the backstory really grabbed the audience when it showed both sides of Noni’s mother – the concerned, desperate single mom as well as the money and success driven woman.

As the movie progresses, we see Noni start to shed the walls she put up as she starts to become closer to Kaz. By the end of the movie, we see how much Noni has changed – not only has she shed her signature purple extensions and airbrushed profile, but she starts to dress more tastefully, which reflects who she, herself, wanted to be as an artist.

While the movie was great in following Noni’s progress, it would have been even better if they had shared Kaz’s finish as well. We are left with many questions regarding him- did he continue campaigning for the position he was hoping for? Did he stand up to his father, confessing that this was never his dream? Also, it would have been great to know what happened to Noni’s mother. Did Noni forgive her mother? Did they progress to mend the relationship that was never admirable?

Aside from the holes in the conclusion of the movie, the plot was a fantastic idea, if a little overused. The idea of the main character having to choose between major fame and her happiness was genius. It left the audience on the edge of their seat throughout the entire movie, all the while throwing major plot twists to keep them captivated.

With a great plot and polished backstory, Beyond the Lights, although slightly unfinished, was well worth the watch.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars