"Beyond Black Beauty" is the newest coming of age series on Prime Video

October 15, 2024

Courtesy: Prime Video

Beyond Black Beauty is the newest coming-of-age series, premiering exclusively on Prime Video today with 11 episodes. The series follows a multi-generational equestrian family, with Kaya Coleman's Jolie Dumont at its center.

Jolie is the young equestrian whose Olympic dreams are shattered when her mother abruptly relocates them from Belgium to the family's urban ranch in Baltimore. Struggling to adapt to her new life, Jolie must find the courage to reclaim her dreams after bonding with a spirited black horse named Black Beauty.

Produced by Sinking Ship Entertainment, Saga Film, and Amazon MGM Studios, the series is executive produced by Pilar Golden, Carla de Jong, Blair Powers, J.J. Johnson, Leif Bristow, Agnes Bristow, Hubert Toint, and Christin Simms. Pilar Golden also serves as creator, executive producer, and showrunner.

The series stars:

Kaya Coleman as Jolie Dumont

Sagine Sémajuste as Janelle Dumont

Gilles Marini as Cedric Dumont

Eben Yehemdi as Noah

Lisa Berry as Yvonne

Justice James as Khalil Jr

Ashton James as Ashton

Akiel Julien as Alvin

Mark Taylor as Rashad

Courtesy: Prime Video

Inspired by the best-selling book "Black Beauty," by Anna Sewell, 15-year-old Jolie is having a difficult time adjusting to her mother's side of the family. She is confronted by their class difference in Baltimore at the Chambers Family Ranch, which has been in their family for decades ( a six-generation family establishment dating back to 1910). Jolie is so used to her affluent life and being catered to that she steals the family's credit card to book a flight back to Belgium, only to be found out by her resentful cousin, Ronnie, who thinks she's bougie. Aided by her European childhood friend, she enlists her help to get to the bottom of the truth as her father refuses to return her text messages. When her mother finally confesses that they had to leave Belgium because their father embezzled money from his clients and they were forced to pay back the victims using their personal assets, Jolie's world implodes. Causing further complications are her turbulent relationship with Ronnie, who is going through her own problems at school, and her budding relationship with Alvin, her classmate. Through it all, Jolie finds deeper meaning in her special connection with an unruly horse, forming a kindred spirit.

The series is a worthy adaptation of the book that emulates its core strengths between rider and horse. Jolie's journey of self-discovery takes her through the typical entitled adolescence of self-awareness that would not have been possible had she stayed in Belgium and the relationship between the two sisters Janelle and Yvonne adds depth to the series. It shines when the Chamber family dynamics are at the forefront, showcasing decades of generational kinship. The relationship between Rashad and Esther also brings its own level of drama which is highly entertaining. Coleman is equally effective portraying Jolie's strength, vulnerability, and maturity as she navigates life's lessons.

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Beyond Black Beauty is currently streaming on Prime Video.

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