The biopic blues
We’ve been in a heavy cycle of music biopics lately. Some are high-energy celebrations that make you want to buy the vinyl immediately. This is not that. While other films in the genre try to find the "magic" in the artist's process, this one feels more like a checklist of tragic milestones. Critics were pretty brutal, giving it a 35% on Rotten Tomatoes, and the general consensus is that it’s a conventional take on a woman who was anything but conventional.
If you’re trying to help a teen navigate why some life stories get the big-screen treatment while others feel like exploitation, check out our guide on music biopics and historical accuracy. It helps break down why Hollywood often prioritizes drama over the messy reality of the person behind the mic.
Why the "R" rating actually matters here
Usually, an R rating for a music movie means a few F-bombs and maybe some backstage partying. Here, the rating is doing heavy lifting. We aren't just talking about a "rockstar lifestyle"; we’re talking about graphic depictions of crack and cocaine use, self-harm, and a relationship that is toxic to its core.
The film doesn't really offer a "way out" or a redemptive lens. It’s a portrait of a downward spiral. If your older teen is a fan of the music and insists on seeing it, you should know that the "sordid details" mentioned by reviewers aren't just background noise—they are the plot. There is a lot of vomiting, passing out, and physical lashing out. It’s bleak in a way that feels different from a standard drama.
The "If they liked X" test
If your kid enjoyed the polished, PG-13 energy of recent films about Elvis or Bob Marley, they are going to find this jarring. Those movies are designed to be "experiences." This is designed to be a tragedy.
If you have a younger music fan in the house who is curious about famous lives but isn't ready for the heavy-duty reality of addiction and trauma, you’re better off looking at our ultimate guide to family-friendly biopics. There are plenty of ways to learn about iconic figures without the "slow-motion car crash" vibe that critics found so draining in this release.
A better way to remember her
Honestly, if the goal is to understand why people still talk about this artist, the movie might actually be the worst place to start. With a Metacritic score of 43, it’s clear the storytelling didn't quite land. The most useful thing you can do is skip the movie and point your teen toward the actual music or a well-regarded documentary. This film focuses so much on the addiction that it often loses sight of the talent. If you do decide to watch it, prepare for a long conversation afterward about why the media—and the film industry—is so obsessed with watching talented people struggle.
