Directed by Dan Lindsay and T. J. Martin
Runtime: 1 hour 58 minutes
Available on HBO/HBO Max on March 27

by Ashley Jane Davis, Staff Writer

“I’ll just take my name.”

One memory I really love is being very young and watching my mom put makeup on in front of the mirror. Instead of listening to the radio while getting ready, she would turn the tv to channel 10 (the real estate listing channel) and listen to the songs they would play. I clearly remember one day hearing a woman sing, “and it gets stronger in every way, and it gets deeper, let me say…” and being shaken up. “Who is this?” I asked my mom, as I did each time I heard music I liked as a child. She simply told me, “Tina”.

Years later, I heard that song again and finally learned that the voice that was living in my memory was in fact Tina Turner, singing River Deep, Mountain High in a way only she could, cutting through that dense Wall of Sound production with an intensity unlike any other vocalist I know. Many years after that, I learned what recording that song meant to Tina herself. “I liked that. That was a freedom that I didn’t have, like a bird that gets out of a cage. I was excited about singing a different type of song. I was excited about getting out of the studio on my own. It was a freedom to do something different.” 

In Tina, the life of Tina Turner is told in 5 parts and two distinct-feeling acts. It is told through many interviews, videos, recordings and photos in a way that doesn’t feel sensationalized. It feels like it matches the energy of its subject and reflects the fact that life isn’t a steady uphill rise, but a roller coaster of experiences. In this film, we get a glimpse into the life of famous superstar, Tina Turner. But we also get a look at the qualities of an incredibly strong woman who chooses each day to be a survivor. 

Tina’s abusive relationship with Ike is well-known and documented since she first spoke her truth. I hate so much that the story of this incredibly talented and inspirational woman will always be associated with that man. It will always be mentioned. It breaks my heart. I really did not want to see any interviews with Ike, but I understand why they’re included. The fact is, her bravery is incredibly empowering, and has doubtless inspired countless of other abuse survivors to stand up for themselves as well.

I do want to mention that I really appreciate that the directors used recordings and interviews previously available to avoid asking Tina to rehash painful details of the past. In a press conference concerning the truths told in the biopic, What’s Love Got to Do With It, (adapted from her book, I Tina), Tina remarks, “the story was actually written so I would no longer have to discuss the issue.” Can we respect that? (While we’re at it, can we stop rewarding and awarding abusers? Regardless of their accomplishments. Just stop.) There are so many other parts of her life to celebrate. 

Once I got to Part III, I cannot tell you how pumped I was. Tina took her life back. She started over with literally just her name, having to work in so many ways to provide for herself and her children. She built a new career as the most successful Black woman in rock n roll history, and took the world by storm at an age where society in general is losing interest in any woman. This has to be one of the most tremendous achievements in modern music! Imagine recording the Private Dancer album?? In two weeks? Tina did that! When she said she considers it her very first album, I got chills! The footage of Tina from any time period is incredible, but especially here, when we get to witness her infectious confidence. Is there anyone like her?

My favourite thing about this documentary are the newest interviews with Tina. She speaks about what she has learned and experienced, and how it has shaped her. Rather than dwell on negativity, she speaks about the love she has found, and the difference it made in her life (also, the way her husband spoke about her was theeee cutest part, I gotta say). She speaks humbly about acceptance and graciously about knowing when to bow out slowly. When she says this, it’s clear that this documentary is really her farewell to her fans and her public persona. And what a farewell.

Tina’s story is one that I think everyone should learn about. No matter what you think you know about her, I recommend checking this out. I really wish Tina’s story was different. I wish that she could have always made the art she wanted to without being exploited and used. But for now, I wish all the best for Tina. I wish her closure and peace and all the respect she has always deserved.