Poly Styrene was the first woman of colour in the UK to front a successful rock band. She introduced the world to a new sound of rebellion, using her unconventional voice to sing about identity, consumerism, postmodernism and everything she saw unfolding in late 1970s Britain with a rare prescience.
As the frontwoman of X-Ray Spex, the Anglo-Somali punk musician was also a key inspiration for the Riot grrrl and Afropunk movements. But the late punk maverick didn’t just leave behind an immense cultural footprint.
She was survived by a daughter, Celeste Bell, who became the unwitting guardian of her mother’s legacy and her mother’s demons. Misogyny, racism, and mental illness plagued Poly’s life, while their lasting trauma scarred Celeste’s childhood and the pair’s relationship.
This hypnotic documentary from Bell and director Paul Sng is a must-see, not just for fans of X Ray Spex, but also for those fascinated by real stories of complex human relationships, personal tragedy and triumphs.
I remember first hearing ‘Germ Free Adolescents’ when I stumbled across it, aged 9, in my father’s record collection. Much like when I heard Kate Bush for the first time, the sound just stopped me in my tracks. That voice was like no other.
Featuring unseen archive material and rare diary entries narrated by Oscar nominee Ruth Negga, I Am A Cliché follows Celeste as she examines her mother’s unopened artistic archive and traverses three continents to better understand Poly the icon and Poly the mother.
The film will leave you feeling sad that we lost a truly original musical pioneer at such a relatively young age, strengthened by the tranquility of Celeste’s delivery which always feels heartfelt and poignant.
But ultimately, the compelling narrative is put to the screen in such a dazzling way that you will want to want to listen to Poly’s music as soon as the credits roll.
Boys On Film rating: ★★★★★
Watch the Boys On Film review below.
⚪️ Poly Styrene: I Am A Cliché has a UK virtual cinema release on March 5
