Is WHAT AWAITS US: A Beyond Story Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2021)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2021, WHAT AWAITS US: A Beyond Story represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Documentary, Music category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Before there was ever a 108, Inside Out or Quicksand, there was Beyond. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary, Music are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Before there was ever a 108, Inside Out or Quicksand, there was Beyond. And in 1988, Tom Capone and Kevin Egan took their seven song demo recorded in their hometown of Holbrook, NY and brought it to Some Records on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. From there, everything took off. WHAT AWAITS US, A Beyond Story is a documentary that, not only chronicles the history of the New York Hardcore band, Beyond, including their origin, their adventures and their demise after recording what is now considered an iconic record, but also depicts Egan's journey from New York to California as he tries to figure out where Beyond fits into his life today. The film includes interviews with members of the band, along with interviews with members of Quicksand, Gorilla Biscuits, Youth of Today, Judge, Burn, Bold and more."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Dom Baiocco, the performance in WHAT AWAITS US: A Beyond Story feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Kevin Egan is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 65 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is WHAT AWAITS US: A Beyond Story truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, Music, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, WHAT AWAITS US: A Beyond Story explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2021 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Kevin Egan respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, WHAT AWAITS US: A Beyond Story is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Dom Baiocco or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, WHAT AWAITS US: A Beyond Story is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.