Been So Long is a 2018 musical drama about a dedicated single mother who, on an unusual night on the town, is charmed by a handsome yet troubled stranger.
How many times have you longed for ‘something different’ when searching for what to watch on Netflix? Probably a lot. Well, director Tinge Krishnan‘s latest Been So Long certainly qualifies, a mix of romance and drama all strung together by musical dance numbers that surely feels conventional while at the same time, clever and undeniably entertaining. It won’t be for everyone, and no doubt, one might need to be in the right frame of mind, but for a little twist in your viewing queue, this fits the bill.
Single mom and hairdresser Simone (Michaela Coel) is raising a young handicapped daughter. She’s grown cynical of the world and especially love. Her best friend is Yvonne (Ronke Adekoluejo), a wild child party girl who demands one night that Simone chuck her housebound ways and go out on the town, telling Simone “your vagina called to tell me it’s dying.” Simone relents and heads out, meeting Raymond (Arinzé Kene) at a nearly empty bar, he an ex-con with some troubles of his own. Thus starts a new and challenging relationship that puts the two into a mixer of ups and downs, forcing Simone to consider her future.
Stringing all this together is a flurry of musical numbers, the cast breaking into song and dance at a moment’s notice, some dripping with sexual intensity and graphic lyrics, others touching and full of confession. Admittedly, these break up the otherwise traditional love story and do sort of put into colorful play the emotional swings these people are feeling inside. Naturally, these bits are exaggerated and overwrought, as intended, several hitting the right keys along the way. Meanwhile, we meet Gil (George MacKay), a street urchin with a troubled past of his own with a personal vendetta against Ray, one he doesn’t even know exists, adding another angle to the backstory.
Well directed, with a soft neon hue that keeps it warm, Been So Long is as expected, a little uneven, loaded with huge ambitions, and going for a big stage production that feels clearly targeted for a specific audience. This gives its London setting a uniquely charming presence and for those who fall into the hopes of a fantastical romance, there’s plenty to keep those fire lit. No, few of the songs are all that memorable but serve their purpose, giving these beautifully sculpted actors opportunities to let loose.
While the story itself is generic, most tuning in won’t be looking to have their expectations derailed. Wisely, Krishnan sets the tone right from the opening shot and won’t let down those hooked from there. MacKay lights up his corner of the story with some ravenous energy and Kene is plenty convincing as a man trying to reset his life, however Coel is the real reason to watch, she a dynamic vision of power and hope that makes her endlessly compelling to keep your eyes on.
Been So Long doesn’t always live up to its potential, the song and dance routines sometimes interrupting the flow and for me, not as interesting as the parts in-between. However, as a safe alternative with a rewarding finish and a few terrific performances, this could be something worth adding to your list.