Back To Black (M18) 123 minutes, now showing 3 stars

Making a biopic about one of the most influential artistes of all time – as well as her equally controversial life and death – was never going to be easy.

Hence, it is no surprise that biographical drama film Back To Black has invited significant debate and criticism ever since its inception, from casting choices to worries of exploitation. 

And while these have proven to be unfounded, the movie is not without flaws.

Back To Black chronicles the ups and downs of Amy Winehouse’s life, but largely centres on her turbulent romance with Blake Fielder-Civil. The two shared a notoriously volatile on-off relationship fueled by violence, drugs and brushes with the law.

Marisa Abela is brilliant as the beloved but troubled musical icon, pouring heart and soul into her performance – just like Winehouse did with her art.

To prepare for her role, the actress reportedly “trained like an athlete” and took singing lessons. Audiences can expect to be entranced as Abela shows off her strong vocals, belting out some of Winehouse’s best hits with her own touch and authenticity. 

Sam Taylor-Johnson, of Fifty Shades Of Grey fame, brings her artistic flair to a potentially contentious movie that touches on many delicate themes. To condense Winehouse’s legacy into a 123-minute runtime is undoubtedly challenging, but it is interesting to note what the British director has chosen to portray and omit.