Beyoncé just debuted "Break My Soul," the lead single from what will be her seventh studio album, Renaissance. The song received widespread acclaim, cementing her as one of her generation's most influential and trend-setting artists.
In a career full of hits, both as a solo artist and as part of Destiny's Child, Beyoncé has touched an entire generation with her music. Her records are bona fide hits thanks to their catchy tunes and thought-provoking lyrics. Indeed, her songs are deep and meaningful, and many of them would make for great films. From rom-coms to dramatic vehicles, these songs are films waiting to happen.
Survivor
"Survivor" served as the debut single for Destiny's Child's 2001 album of the same name. The song talks about a woman recovering from a relationship, using an uplifting message of resistance and independence. The video features the three in a jungle setting after becoming stranded.
A film based on "Survivor" could use a combination of the song's lyrics and the video's setting to create a story about endurance against adversity. The story would be a classic hero's journey showing a Black woman fighting the elements and ultimately thriving and could blend horror elements into the plot.
Independent Women
Destiny's Child made this song for the soundtrack of the first Charlie's Angels film. As its title implies, the song talks about an independent woman who takes care of herself and calls on "all the women who are independent." The song also contains numerous references to Charlie's Angels and its stars: Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Lucy Liu.
Charlie's Angels is style over substance in the best possible way. A film based on "Independent Women" could tell the story of a group of women who help others learn how to take care of themselves. It could use the original film's spy setting to tell a more small-scale story about sisterhood while retaining the original's humor and camp sensibilities.
Beautiful Liar
Shakira recently made headlines following her split from Gerard Piqué and bringing this underrated bop back into the mainstream discussion. The song follows two women who discover they are dating the same man, ultimately concluding that "he's the one to blame."
The song makes for an excellent revenge movie. The plot could follow two women plotting revenge against the same powerful man. Finding out each other's plans, they team up to take him down for good. Women working alongside each other is always a worthy plot, especially if their goal is honorable.
Listen
"Listen" is part of Dreamgirl's soundtrack. Within the film's context, "Listen" serves as a declaration of independence for Beyoncé's character, Dinah, who lives under the control of her possessive husband, Curtis. Dreamgirls is one of the musicals with the best songs, and "Listen" is the perfect example.
A film based on "Listen" would follow an oppressed woman seeking liberation through her voice. The lyrics talk about a woman's voice and employ metaphors about music. Thus, the film should be a musical, perhaps following a singer discovering her talents and fighting against a male figure in her life trying to silence her.
Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
Arguably Beyoncé's most iconic song, "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" talks about a woman who recently broke up with her significant other. She calls him out on his indecision to commit, telling him, "if you like it, then you should've put a ring on it."
"Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" is a rom-com waiting to happen. The film would be a worthy entry to the genre, following a woman recently out of a relationship and the man who discovers how much he lost by refusing to commit to her. Whether they get back together is beside the point because the plot would follow their journeys of self-discovery.
Diva
The word "diva" often carries a negative connotation, referring to a bossy and demanding woman who refuses to compromise. Beyoncé's "Diva" sought to redefine the word's meaning, reframing it in the context of a hard-working woman who earned her place of honor.
"Diva" could follow a The Devil Wears Prada-like character on her way to the top. While Miranda often ranks among the best female movie villains, she isn't necessarily evil. A film exploring her ambitions and tracking her rise to success would provide more insight into her mindset and what it truly means to be a "diva."
I Was Here
"I Was Here" is one of Beyoncé's most powerful songs. Written by Diane Warren, the song follows a protagonist who looks back on her past and the things she's done, revealing she has no regrets and is at peace with the mark she's leaving in the world.
The coming-of-age genre has some worthy entries for older viewers, and a film based on "I Was Here" would be a worthy addition to that list. The film could follow a woman struggling to leave an impression on the world as she prepares to leave. It would have an undeniably gloomy vibe, but the film could also reveal something new about human nature at the end of someone's life.
Run The World (Girls)
Taken from Beyoncé's fourth studio album, 4, "Run the World (Girls)" is an electropop song with an empowering message. The lyrics employ an unapologetically and unsubtle theme of female strength, outright declaring that women "run this mother."
The song's video employs a desertic and somewhat apocalyptic setting, evoking stories like one of the best films from the 2010s. A film based on "Run the World (Girls)" could take place in a post-apocalyptic world where society lives under a matriarchy. The film would have a decisive stance in favor of women in power and showcase their capabilities and strengths as leaders.
Halo
The power ballad to end all power ballads, "Halo" is one of the most romantic songs of the new millennium. Beyoncé recorded it for her third studio album, I Am Sasha Fierce, "Halo" was written by Ryan Tedder and Evan Bogart, although Beyoncé also contributed. The lyrics describe a woman's ionate and powerful declaration of love.
"Halo" would be the starting idea for a romantic drama film. Taking the lyrics' metaphorical song literally could result in a fantasy film about an angelic being falling in love with a mortal woman. However, that idea might be too overdone, so a more straightforward approach might be best. The romance between a vulnerable woman and a man would still be compelling enough to attract a significant audience.
Formation
Beyoncé's "Formation" received critical acclaim when it came out. The song deals with Beyoncé's pride in her identity and success as a Black woman in America, igniting discussions about race and politics. The song remains influential today and was even adopted as an anthem for the #MeToo movement.
A film inspired by "Formation" would need to adopt a clear and even aggressive political stance. The plot could go in any number of directions, although having a Black woman at its center would be a must. The song's central calling, "Okay ladies, now let's get in formation," could also provide the film's backbone, with the story following a woman trying to inspire others in her community.
