Marisa Abela Shines in 'Back to Black' with a Powerful Portrayal of Amy Winehouse

The tragic arc of Amy Winehouse's short life and meteoric career presents challenges for any biography of the singer. However, Marisa Abela's outstanding performance in "Back to Black" manages to capture the essence of Winehouse, showcasing her talent, anger, and self-destructive tendencies. Despite the film's thin plot, Abela's portrayal brings depth and emotion, making it a compelling watch.

Amy Winehouse's rapid ascent to fame and the constant presence of the paparazzi suggest a story that may seem one-dimensional. Her intense relationship with the troubled Blake, portrayed by Jack O'Connell, is filled with a mix of passion, excess, and toxicity. The film delves into the complexities of their bond, revealing a tumultuous connection that keeps viewers engaged.

She’s also gaining recognition as a songwriter and singer, but her love for alcohol and Blake’s involvement with drugs are intertwined with her music career. Surprisingly, her father (Eddie Marsan) and lively grandmother (Lesley Manville) seem to be less worried about these habits than they should be. Her grandmother, a former jazz singer, doesn’t hesitate to share stories about famous personalities like Tony Bennett.

The film "Back to Black," directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson (known for "Nowhere Boy" and "Fifty Shades of Grey") and written by Matt Greenhalgh, focuses more on Winehouse's personal struggles than her musical achievements. However, in this portrayal, her personal issues are closely linked to her music, with songs like “Back to Black” and “Rehab” addressing her struggles with addiction and relationships.

Abela impressively portrays a challenging character in the HBO series “Industry,” showcasing both musical and dramatic talents. The character, reminiscent of Amy Winehouse, is not necessarily sympathetic, as Winehouse is often seen as the cause of her own troubles, but rather captivating. Despite being unprepared for fame, she rose to stardom with intense passion and skill, becoming a force that couldn't easily be stopped.

Creating a film about Winehouse inevitably raises concerns about exploiting her tragic death at the young age of 27 instead of honoring her remarkable talent. However, this issue is not unique to Winehouse, as many biographical films about musicians who left us too soon, such as "The Doors" and "Bohemian Rhapsody," face similar criticisms. In contrast, the recent documentary "Bob Marley: One Love" was endorsed and participated in by his family, giving it a sense of authenticity and respect.

The blinding star power that Abela emits in "Back to Black" justifies the exercise of capturing what animated Winehouse. However, the movie is more small-boned and doesn't quite feel like a headliner, unlike its subject.

"Back to Black" will premiere in US theaters on May 17 and is rated R.

Editor's P/S:

Marisa Abela's portrayal of Amy Winehouse in "Back to Black" is a tour de force that captures the singer's indomitable spirit, raw talent, and self-destructive tendencies. Despite the film's thin plot, Abela's performance brings depth and emotion to the tragic arc of Winehouse's short life and meteoric career. The film delves into the complexities of her relationship with Blake, revealing a tumultuous connection that keeps viewers engaged.

While the film focuses more on Winehouse's personal struggles than her musical achievements, her personal issues are closely linked to her music. Songs like “Back to Black” and “Rehab” address her struggles with addiction and relationships. Abela's performance in these scenes is particularly poignant, as she conveys the pain and anguish that Winehouse experienced. Despite Winehouse's often self-destructive behavior, Abela portrays her as a captivating and sympathetic character, showcasing both her musical and dramatic talents.