Should you watch 'Starboy'? (An indie film review)

Binge God
Nov 24, 2025
4 min read

Intro

When Gary Thompson of Bristol’s Cables & Cameras (a film-focused CIC) told me about a rising Birmingham filmmaker (A.r ugas) whose latest short ('starboy') was generating real buzz, I knew I had to check it out. I love getting the chance to watch and review independent films, especially work from Black filmmakers, and this one grabbed my attention for two reasons:

First, director A.R Ugas is clearly a talent on the rise. His achievements already include selection for the MOMENTUM film mentoring programme, screenings at major BAFTA and Academy Award–qualifying festivals, and even co-writing the first UK-set urban interactive video game.

Second, I’ve had endless conversations about rap music and its influence on young people, so I was curious to see how a filmmaker like Ugas would handle a topic with so much nuance.

Having now seen the film, I’m glad to say Starboy is a powerful, thoughtful, and emotionally gripping piece of work. It takes on a complex conversation with honesty, skill, and strong creative execution. Here’s why it’s absolutely worth your time.

What’s it about? (Story & Themes)

The film follows an up-and-coming UK rapper who his manager sends to make an appearance at a private event for a young fan. Once he arrives, he’s forced to confront the real-world consequences his music and lifestyle have had on the people who look up to him.

From the opening minutes, the story feels grounded and authentic—as if it were made from within the community it portrays. The dialogues and decisions feel real, reflecting the grind of the UK rap scene, the fight to stay true to your roots, and the pressure to evolve your image as your career grows. As the tension builds, the film delves into the darker side of street culture and how it shapes young listeners.

It offers a raw look at what happens when kids idolise the darker aspects of that world. What makes the film so compelling is that it avoids simple answers. It recognises that rappers don’t stand up one day and decide to become role models—yet young people copy them anyway. The film is critical but empathetic, acknowledging the weight of that responsibility without pretending it’s a black-and-white issue.

Direction & Production

The production value is impressive from the jump. It starts with soft, moody lighting that pulls you in, then shifts into a more intense visual style as the story tightens. The score works beautifully—noticeable when it needs to be and silent when silence makes a moment hit harder. When M-Charge arrives at the party and receives a surprisingly cold welcome, the direction makes you sit in that uneasy feeling.

The cramped setting adds to the tension, making the whole situation feel closed-in and unavoidable. Ugas uses the space and pacing to show that M-Charge can’t escape the ripple effects of his own image. The build-up leads smoothly into the film’s emotional peak, and each choice along the way feels deliberate.

Performances

The performances are consistently strong. The actor playing M-Charge (malcolm kamulete) carries so much of the character’s conflict through subtle expressions alone—torn between ambition and the knowledge that his work has painfully shaped someone’s life. He also delivers his rap verses convincingly, which helps the character feel lived-in. (Honestly, I’d listen to a real M-Charge track after this.)

One of the standout performances comes from 'Kai's' (the young fan’s) mother (Mina Andala). Her scenes are heartbreaking and grounded, reminding us that the aftermath of a young person’s choices doesn’t stop with them. Her pain is deeply felt, adding emotional depth to the story. 'Kai' himself, played by Joshua Atoyebi, uses his limited screentime to deliver a heartwrenching performance, giving a face to the impressionable youth the film advocates for. Even the minor roles make an impact, such as M-Charge's manager, played by Michael Salami, whose nuanced performance highlights the complex, at times adversarial relationship between a manager and their client, and a manager's role in helping their client shape their image and influence.

Message

At its heart, Starboy is a story about influence—how artists shape the lives of the kids who follow them, whether they intend to or not. It also speaks honestly about the uncomfortable reality that rappers often become role models by accident.

The film doesn’t pretend that the responsibility is simple. Instead, it shows the pressure, the complexity, and the real human cost when influence goes unchecked.

It’s also a broader commentary on the ecosystem around an artist: managers, fans, culture, and the industry all shape the narrative. The final scenes bring that message together clearly and emotionally, leaving you with a sense of both caution and reflection.

Overall

'Starboy' is a poignant, thought-provoking, and deeply engaging short film that tackles a complex subject with absolute honesty and emotional intelligence. Its skilful direction, grounded performances, and resonant message make it a standout piece of UK independent filmmaking, and a must-watch for anyone interested in the talent shaping the UK film scene. Check it out as soon as you can, and keep a close eye on director A.R Ugas: his trajectory is only going up from here.