“Bono: Stories of Surrender”: Apple TV releases a documentary in which Bono tells his story

The iconic U2 singer reveals himself in an intimist new documentary, which won acclaim at Cannes. The show is already available on Apple TV+.

Gwen Rouviere
by Gwen Le Cointre
3 June 2025, 15:56
“Bono: Stories of Surrender”: Apple TV releases a documentary in which Bono tells his story
Bono: Stories of Surrender - Apple TV+

On May 30, 2025, Apple TV+ unveiled Bono: Stories of Surrender, a captivating music documentary that delves deep into the life of Paul Hewson, aka Bono, the charismatic Irish frontman of U2. In this exercise, the singer himself tells his own story. A story interwoven with confessions, intimate reflections, music and songs performed by Bono himself. A grandiose, intimate and immersive one-man show, which sounds like a consecration for the career of U2’s Dubliner.

When Bono tells his own story…

An artistic introspection between music and confidences

Directed by Andrew Dominik(Blonde, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford), the documentary’s black-and-white aesthetic and uncluttered mise-en-scène are impressive from the outset. Accompanied by Jacknife Lee (keyboards), Kate Ellis (cello) and Gemma Doherty (harp), Bono revisits U2 classics such as Sunday Bloody Sunday, Beautiful Day and Pride (In the Name of Love) in intimate, rearranged versions.

A unique opportunity for Bono to recount his career, but also his childhood, with a dive into the artist’s personal memories: his childhood in Dublin, the early loss of his mother, his complex relationship with his father, and his path to stardom.

Bono also addresses his internal struggles, notably the conflict between his humanitarian commitment and his rock star status, with a touch of self-mockery.

A unique immersive experience

But that’s not all. Bono: Stories of Surrender is also the first feature film available in Apple Immersive Video for the Apple Vision Pro headset, offering an 8K experience with 180-degree spatial audio, immersing the viewer in the heart of the performance.

The rendering is simply stunning, and is sure to delight fans of the Irish band.

Previewed at the Cannes 2025 Film Festival, the film received a seven-minute standing ovation, praising the sincerity and depth of the work. Critics praised Bono’s ability to reveal himself with humility. He presents himself in all simplicity, looking back on the trials of his life, including his aortic aneurysm, which almost cost him his life in 2016.

The artist also talks about his relationship with God, Ireland, his family and his music.

An intimate, powerful portrait that places this documentary among the year’s best.

You can watch it on Apple TV+. Enjoy the musical atmosphere and Paul Hewson’s emotional depth.


To discover at the moment