One Direction: This Is Us (2013)
Film details
Documentary · Music · Morgan Spurlock · 1h 32min
Synopsis
"One Direction: This Is Us" is a captivating and intimate all-access look at life on the road for the global music phenomenon. Weaved with stunning live concert footage, this inspiring feature film tells the remarkable story of Niall, Zayn, Liam, Harry and Louis' meteoric rise to fame, from their humble hometown beginnings and competing on the X-Factor, to conquering the world and performing at London’s famed O2 Arena. Hear it from the boys themselves and see through their own eyes what it's really like to be One Direction.
Verdict
Harmless musical documentary about the meteoric rise of a British youth band.
In-depth analysis
Morgan Spurlock applies his direct documentary style to the story of five British teenagers who went from individual auditions to global phenomenon. The film follows the classic formula of the genre: humble origins, hard work, meteoric success, devoted fans. It is pop entertainment without philosophical pretensions, designed to satisfy its target audience (pre-teens and teenagers who are fans of the band). The tone is celebratory and optimistic, focusing on the boys' camaraderie and their relationship with their followers. There is no ideological agenda nor objectionable content in its form.
The only risk lies in the very nature of the genre: these documentaries tend to present fame and commercial success as desirable pinnacles without nuance regarding their personal costs. For families, it offers an opportunity to converse about what constitutes a person's true worth beyond applause and popularity. The work does no harm, yet neither does it edify — it is pure youth entertainment. Appropriate for the age group that celebrates this type of music, with no alerts regarding substance or form.