‘Bono: Stories of Surrender’ review: U2 frontman’s stunning stage show becomes unmissable film

Anyone lucky enough to catch Bono’s ‘Stories Of Surrender’ tour in late 2022 received a fascinating insight into the U2 frontman’s life and mind. Based on his bestselling memoir, Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story, the singer’s theatrical “quarter man” show was a stripped-back immersive journey filled with amusing and emotive monologues, soundtracked by reworked renditions of his band’s back catalogue.

Andrew Dominik’s Apple TV+ documentary, shot at New York City’s Beacon Theatre, is billed as a “vivid reimagining” of the show and in many ways it is. For one thing, it’s a lot more intimate with much of the film comprising close-up shots of Bono as he regales the audience with tales of his father, wife, U2 and (unexpectedly) Italian opera legend Pavarotti.

Shot almost entirely in black and white, at times the widescreen cinematic visuals feel like you’re almost on stage with him. For U2 completists, experiencing the Irish behemoth’s reconstructed discography in beefy surround sound should be worth the price of admission on its own. Thanks to Dolby Atmos, you can hear every string being plucked by harpist Gemma Doherty on a poignant, pared-back version of ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’; and every throbbing drum beat from Jacknife Lee, blasting out of the speakers on ‘Out Of Control’.

Hearing Bono powerfully singing a section of 1980 masterpiece ‘Stories For Boys’ entirely in a capella meanwhile, is another of the doc’s breathtaking standouts. Elsewhere, the more anthemic stadium classics like ‘Where The Streets Have No Name’ and ‘Beautiful Day’ while reimagined, are no less spinetingling as they ring around the room.

As for the stories themselves, on film, they have an extra layer of emotion, allowing the audience to view every expression and impression on Bono’s face as he recalls constantly fighting for his father’s approval in the local boozer or his “selfish” struggle with striving for greatness, almost at the expense of his marriage. The fact that he does it all with just a couple of chairs, impressions and the odd sound effect is a testament to his skills as a storyteller.

Because his tour had a strict no phone policy, there is very little footage from any of the performances online. So for many fans, this will be their first opportunity to see the show at all. While it’s not quite the same as actually being there, Bono: Stories Of Surrender shines a new, personal light on his dramatic performance. Second best never sounded or looked so good.

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