Bono: Stories of Surrender is a 2025 music documentary film directed by Andrew Dominik and starring legendary U2 frontman Bono. Released globally on Apple TV+ on May 30, 2025, the film reimagines Bono’s one-man stage show “Stories of Surrender,” combining personal storytelling, U2 songs, and immersive visuals.
The film gives fans a close look at Bono’s personal and professional life—his family, faith, activism, and legacy as a rock icon. Alongside never-before-seen footage and performances, it uses cutting-edge Apple Immersive Video technology to create a 180-degree visual and audio experience for Apple Vision Pro users.
While it’s not a traditional concert film, Bono: Stories of Surrender is a deeply personal journey filled with music, humor, reflection, and emotion.
Bono: Stories of Surrender Age Rating
Bono: Stories of Surrender is rated TV-MA due to mature discussions and language. Below is a detailed, spoiler-free content breakdown to help guide parents:
Language
The film contains occasional use of strong language, mostly in personal anecdotes. It reflects natural adult conversations and emotional moments, not excessive or aggressive speech.
Mature Themes
The film explores topics such as:
- Grief and the death of Bono’s mother
- Personal struggles with fame and identity
- Political activism and global humanitarian work
- Reflections on fatherhood and marriage
While thoughtful and uplifting, these themes may not connect with or be suitable for younger viewers, especially due to the introspective tone and emotional weight.
Violence & Peril
There are no scenes of violence or peril. The film is narrative-driven and musical in nature. Any mention of conflict is told through personal stories, not shown visually.
Sexual Content
There is no sexual content or nudity in the film. Relationships are discussed in the context of family and marriage.
Is Bono: Stories of Surrender Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Not recommended: Younger viewers may find the format slow or hard to follow. The documentary deals with mature life themes that pre-teens might not fully understand or appreciate.
Ages 13–17: Possibly appropriate for mature teens: While the film is rated TV-MA, the content is largely emotional and reflective, not graphic. Teens interested in music, storytelling, or U2 may find it inspiring. However, parents should be aware of occasional strong language and deep emotional topics.
Bono: Stories of Surrender is best suited for older teens and adults who can appreciate the reflective nature of the film. It’s not inappropriate, but its mature tone and themes are geared toward an adult audience.
What Parents Can Do
Watch Together: If your teen is a music lover or curious about U2, consider watching it together and pausing to explain some cultural or personal references.
Talk About the Messages: Discuss themes like loss, purpose, activism, and the balance between fame and personal life.
Preview First: If you’re unsure about the language or tone, preview the film before allowing younger teens to watch it alone.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Bono: Stories of Surrender?
A: It is rated TV-MA for strong language and mature themes.
Q: Is Bono: Stories of Surrender appropriate for teens?
A: Possibly for older, mature teens. The themes are deep and emotional but not explicit or graphic.
Q: Is there any violence or scary content in the film?
A: No. It is a documentary with no violent or frightening scenes.
Q: Does the film have any sexual content or nudity?
A: No. There are no sexual references, nudity, or suggestive material.
Q: Where can I watch Bono: Stories of Surrender?
A: The film is available to stream worldwide on Apple TV+ starting May 30, 2025, and supports immersive viewing with Apple Vision Pro.