The Apple+ documentary Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry is an emotional two-and-a-half-hour rollercoaster ride. It takes you through the life of a teenager in the spotlight. From the first time on the radio to winning an impressive 6 Grammys for her debut album, everything is covered. American artist Billie Eilish lays bare her private life and rise in the music industry, resulting in a beautiful end product.
Billie Eilish grows up with musical parents and an older brother, Finneas. Music has always filled their family home and eventually captures the attention of both siblings. They start writing songs together in their bedroom. Even as a superstar, Billie still lives with her supportive parents. Many of the huge hits she released, were first performed in the living room.
Her ordinary teen side is evident in her fangirl moments towards her idol, Justin Bieber. She sings along to all his songs. And when he contacts her for collaboration, she eagerly agrees, regardless of the details. The extent of her fanhood is most apparent when she finally meets Bieber in person. Initially unsure how to behave, only to end up hugging him while crying. It’s a massive moment for her. Although she may not realize she often stands on the other side of that hug during her own meet-and-greets with fans.
The World’s A Little Blurry is open, genuine, and intimate
Despite the already open and honest nature of Billie’s lyrics, The World’s A Little Blurry adds an extra layer. Billie and her family reveal everything. From challenges, Billie’s struggles with tics stemming from Tourette syndrome, and the numerous successes she and her brother both experience in front of and behind the scenes. Particularly impactful are the moments when Billie exposes her depressive side.
Additionally, the numerous intimate musical scenes, following Billie and Finneas through the entire songwriting process, are highlights. In their bedroom, they attempt to craft the right lyrics for new music, recording them on the spot. Even label meetings take place in the bedroom. From initial ideas to studio work, creating music videos, and then performing those songs on stage for thousands of fans. Every step in the process is intimately presented.
From Ocean Eyes to My Future
The documentary starts strong by showing the moment Eilish’s debut song, Ocean Eyes, gets picked up by a radio station. It’s a beautiful, small song that showcases Billie’s distinctive voice and serves as her introduction. From here, her journey to becoming a teen idol and pop star is traced. Despite her young age, Billie has experienced a lot, which unfortunately led her towards a darker side. However, as the documentary progresses, you witness Billie’s transformation, influenced in part by the end of a relationship. After this, she begins to enjoy her life as a musician.
The documentary ultimately concludes with a shot of Billie performing Ocean Eyes live, completing the circle. During the credits, one of her newer singles, My Future, plays. Unlike her earlier songs on the album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go (2019), My Future is an upbeat track where she sings about her positive outlook on her own future. A significant, positive change has occurred, evident in her songwriting and clearly followed step by step by director R.J. Cutler in Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry. It has turned into an outstanding documentary that captivates throughout its entire 140-minute duration!
