Bono: Stories of Surrender
Bono: Stories of Surrender paints a strikingly intimate portrait of the U2 frontman, presented not as a conventional documentary but rather as a theatrical meditation on his life. Adapted from his acclaimed one-man stage show, the documentary directed by Andrew Dominik invites viewers into a minimalist world where music and memory intertwine seamlessly.
Shot almost entirely in black and white, the film’s visual austerity complements its reflective tone. The choice of monochrome is far from mere stylistic flair; it accentuates the simplicity and sincerity of Bono’s storytelling. This stark palette strips away distractions, focusing attention on the figure at centre stage and the stories he imparts. The sparse set – dominated by a scattering of chairs bathed in focused spotlights – evokes a theatrical space rather than a documentary set, with each chair representing a pivotal person in Bono’s life: family, friends and collaborators.
Unlike many music documentaries, which often rely on a chorus of interviews, Stories of Surrender is resolutely singular. Bono commands the narrative entirely, eschewing the typical question-and-answer format. His voice guides the audience through a series of candid reflections that reveal the many facets of his identity: son, father, husband, activist – and, of course, rock star. The result is a deeply personal account, told on his own terms and free from external framing.
The film’s greatest strength lies in its honesty. Bono pulls back the curtain not only on his celebrated career with U2 but also on the complexities and contradictions of his personal journey. There are moments of levity – hints of mischief, as promised in the show’s title – but also profound insight into the motivations that have driven him for decades. His activism, often overshadowed by the band’s musical legacy, emerges here as a core part of his story, inseparable from the man himself. Complementing the spoken word segments are solo performances of the group’s songs, which serve as perfect emotional punctuations to the reminiscences.
In a media landscape saturated with celebrity exposés and frenetic biographies, Stories of Surrender stands apart as a work of thoughtful self-examination. It’s a welcome reminder that behind the spectacle of stardom lies a human being wrestling with identity, belief and legacy – and in Bono’s case, doing so with a rare blend of openness and grace.
Christina Yang
Bono: Stories of Surrender does not have a release date yet.
Read more reviews from our Cannes Film Festival coverage here.
For further information about the event visit the Cannes Film Festival website here.
Watch the trailer for Bono: Stories of Surrender here:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
RSS