Sometimes a film will play at a festival and almost immediately get a theatrical or digital release. However, what often happens is that an indie film plays a variety of festivals and it takes a little while for it to land distribution. That’s the case for the new film, “Beats,” but as can be seen in the new trailer, the film is well worth the wait.
“Beats” tells the story of a couple of friends that come together due to their mutual love of electronic music and their inherent rebellious attitudes. The duo joins a group of young people who are opposing the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act of 1994, banning unlicensed raves, to hold one big party.
READ MORE: ‘Beats’ Bangs Out a Familiar Tune With Perfect Grace & Style [Slamdance Review]
“Beats” comes from director Brian Welsh, who co-wrote the feature alongside Kieran Hurley. As the trailer is sure to point out, filmmaker Steven Soderbergh is an executive producer on the film. In fact, along with the release of the feature, Soderbergh and Welsh will have a special Q&A available about the film for those interested in learning more.
In our review of the film from Slamdance, we said, “Indeed, at the center of all of this is a pair of teenagers who want to be the tough guys their culture expects of them while harboring a passionate love of dance and each other that has the potential to rob them of the puffed-up manhood they can’t help but aspire to. It all adds up to a stark but honest look at young adulthood, and what it feels like to navigate that landscape without a compass and just a handful of unlikely allies.”
“Beats” arrives select theaters and virtual cinemas on June 26. And if you’re interested in the Q&A featuring Soderbergh and Welsh, that will also be available as a bonus for virtual cinema rentals.
Here’s the synopsis:
A universal story of friendship, rebellion, and the irresistible power of music set against the backdrop of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act of 1994, which banned unlicensed raves across the UK, BEATS follows best friends and polar opposites Johnno and Spanner who, realizing they are destined for different futures, sneak out to an illegal party in pursuit of one last crazy night together.
