Running Time: 120 Minutes
Certification: 15
A veteran in directing musicians, Paul Dugdale has delivered many concert films, music documentaries, and global live events for stars including Taylor Swift, The Rolling Stones, and The Prodigy. His latest releases focuses on the British musician known as Yungblud in the lead-up to releasing Idols, described as his most personal album yet. As he travels to Berlin with his touring family, the group intend to perform and record these songs live for the first time.
Across the two-hour runtime, the live performances are shown alongside scenes of the musician in introspective form. As he contemplates what each song means to him, there is evident passion and an openness that is seen on his face and heard in his words. It is easy for any creative to call something their most personal work, but as the artist expresses himself, you feel how much has been poured into each of these songs to mark a transformative time for the musician.
When it comes to the musical performances, Dugdale brings them alive in differing ways that make them feel distinct from the other songs, utilising stylistic choices such as camera trickery and different aspect ratios. Whether it is the sheer energy of Lovesick Lullaby, a static close-up utilised for Zombie, or the intimate setting of Idols Pt. II, each performance grips viewers in ways that deserve to be experienced on the big-screen with a killer sound system.
Through it all, there is the feeling of getting into Yungblud's mindset to understand what he is going through. A notable moment sees him acting out in frustration of not hitting a high note, believing that he is letting everybody down despite his understanding friends refuting this. Whether it is his anxieties about disappointing fans due to their online reactions, or worries about joining the 27 club, the weight of expectations are effectively conveyed as he stands before performing a brand-new album. But, as he gazes in awe at the piano that David Bowie performed Heroes on, there is an endearing sense of wonderment seen within him as he stands in the same place as giants before him.
The best way to sum up this work is the musical sequences, which are brought alive with a serious determination to get them correct, before Yungblud slips into a light-hearted tone the moment that the performances have finished. It captures that freeing relief that comes from putting yourself out there after so much build-up, and offers much more to appreciate about the album. It is uncertain how much non-fans will enjoy this, but for what it is worth, Yungblud. Are You Ready, Boy? is a brilliantly crafted work about an artist finding his voice.
Yungblud. Are You Ready, Boy? was released in cinemas
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