Bono: Stories of Surrender

Bono's Stories of Surrender is not just a documentary - it's a masterclass in artistry, authenticity, and emotional depth. In an era dominated by flashy spectacle and often superficial lyricism, this intimate journey with a quarter of U2 reminds us what real storytelling looks like.

Through his spoken word, stripped-down performances, and candid reflections, Bono proves that experience, vulnerability, and soul still matter in music. He doesn't rely on trends or gimmicks - he relies on truth, and that makes all the difference.

This show effortlessly eclipses what many of today's top-charting artists offer. Unlike Taylor Swift's meticulously marketed personas or Drake's algorithm-friendly sound, Bono invites us into something far more enduring: a life lived through art, love, conflict, and purpose. Stories of Surrender is proof that depth will always outshine hype.

If you're tired of the music industry's noise and hungry for something real, meaningful, and deeply human - this documentary is a must-watch. Bono's voice may be weathered, but it carries the weight of history, heartache, and hope like few others can.

As "Bono: Stories of Surrender" (2025 release; 86 min.) opens, Bono is telling the audience about his heart problem around Christmas 2016, which leads him to bring a highly reworked "Vertigo". Bono then goes back in time, to what things were like growing up in Ireland between himself and his dad. At this point we are less than 10 minutes into the movie.

Couple of comments: this is directed by Australian director Andrew Dominik ("The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford). First there was the book "Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story", then the book tour, then the New York one man show "Stories of Surrender: An Evening of Words, Music and Some Mischief...". And now we get the film version of the one man shows, taped at the Beacon Theater in New York. Please note that I did not read the memoir, or catch the book tour, or see the one man show, so I watched this documentary as a stand-alone. It is important to understand that this is not a traditional Bono bio-pic. Instead it is Bono reflecting on his life and work. Check out the Pavarotti stories he shares with his dad (Bono playing both himself and his dad). This also is very much a Performance, not some off the cuff remarks. I quite enjoyed it for what it was, nothing more, nothing less. Bono is now in his mid-60's and brimming with energy. He will not be held back! The U2 songs that Bono performs (backed by some strings and drums) are all heavily reworked. But in the end this is quite enjoyable, and with a running time of not even an hour and a half, this flew by in no time. Please note that Brad Pitt is a co-producer.

"Bono - Stories of Surrender" premiered at the Cannes film festival a few weeks ago, and now is streaming on Apple TV. It is currently rated 71% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, which sounds about right to me. If you are a fan of Bono or of U2, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

Who edited this?

Having seen the live performance of this show, I find the edit here disappointing and disjointed. It lacks the natural flow and energy of the original, making it hard to follow the actual story being told. Key moments, like the entire early days in London section, have been completely skipped, and the setlist feels jumbled and out of order. These choices seriously impact the coherence of the narrative.

That said, the music itself is still stellar, Bono and the Jacknife Lee Ensemble deliver powerful and dynamic performances that truly shine throughout.

Just a shame the story is actually lost.

In Stories of Surrender, Bono achieves something truly extraordinary: he strips away the myth, the stadium, the noise - and stands alone with his story, his music, and his vulnerability. What unfolds isn't just a play or an intimate concert; it's an emotional surrender - honest, devastating, and deeply human.

As a viewer, you don't see the U2 frontman. You see the son who lost his mother, the friend who loves his bandmates with quiet devotion, the man searching for meaning in the chaos of a life lived out loud. The theatricality is there - because art demands it - but there's no empty spectacle. Every gesture, every reimagined note, serves a truth that aches and embraces.

What's most powerful is that, though ego is inevitable for any artist, Bono doesn't hide behind it. He channels it to open up, to move, to make you cry if you need to. And I needed to.

Stories of Surrender is not about understanding Bono. It's about understanding ourselves through him.

Ok first things first .

I'm Irish but I've never been a huge fan of U2 or Bono.

I don't mind their music but I've never bought a U2 album or gone to a U2 Gig.

I was expecting much from this film.

To be brutally honest I was going to switch it off after the first few minutes .

I've now idea why Andrew Dominick allowed such a pretentious egotistical into to the show .

Having said that , from what I know of Bono he probably gave Andrew little say as to what way it was going to start.

I advise any future viewers to skip past the pretentious start and get straight into the show .

It's actually really good and very entertaining .

He uses U2's music to create a story and does the songs proud .

I really enjoyed it and would recommend watching it to anyone whether a fan or not .

Well done Bono.

I'm sure it took a lot of balls to put this out.

It worked .