A modern-day reprisal of Anna Sewell’s novel, Black Beauty tells the story of Jo, played by Mackenzie Foy (Twilight Breaking Dawn) and the horse that changes and defines her life. Narrated by Kate Winslet, Black Beauty tells the story of her life from start to finish. It follows her journey from a wild horse, to a show horse, to trotting around Central Park. Iain Glen (Game of Thrones), Fern Deacon (Ackley Bridge) and Calam Lynch (Derry Girls) also star.
There are a couple of differences from the book: it is set in the USA, and Black Beauty is female in this adaptation. This might be down to the writer/director Ashley Avis and if so, then she has definitely put her own spin on it. The narration is a bit jarring in parts, particularly at the start. Because the animals are so beautifully shot, it feels like a nature documentary with a dramatic reading from Kate Winslet put over the top. On the other hand, the descriptive narration means that the literary inspiration of the film gets a nod.
Some British watchers might draw similarities between the film and a certain bank advert, but the story is pretty solid and dramatic, the acting is overall good (no cringey bits). The narration gets samey when it goes on for a while without being broken up by dialogue, but as it is aimed at children, it is probably fascinating for them to be able to hear an animal’s deepest thoughts.
‘Black Beauty’ is available to stream on Disney+.
Pep Reviews 