The World’s A Little Blurry Brings a Transparent Perspective to Billie Eilish’s Struggles with Mental Health

“It is a horrible time to be a teenager.” Perhaps one of the most brutally honest quotes from Billie Eilish’s documentary comes from no one other than her mother. Award-winning director and filmmaker, R.J. Cutler captures Eilish’s unbreakable family bond through a candid lens; following the star’s navigation through the release of her debut record in a heart wrenching, tear jerking light.  

At only 17 years old, Billie Eilish stunned the music industry with the release of When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? but the process did not come without its hardships. Eilish is undoubtedly talented, having been raised in a musical family, perfecting her craft from a young age. Regardless, she frequently expresses feeling unworthy of the fame she holds and often fears “no one will listen.” Transparent moments take audiences into her brother Finneas' bedroom studio in which a majority of the album was recorded, providing an intimate documentation of the production. Oftentimes, Eilish presents an overly analytical and excruciatingly critical perspective on her work, bringing light to an obsession on self image many teenagers are faced with in this day. Songwriting proves to be distressing for her though it has become a necessary outlet of expression. 

“To be honest with you, I didn’t think I would make it to this age.”

Over the course of the film, Billie tackles complications involving both her mental and physical health. The documentary is brilliantly candid, exposing the reality of living with Tourette’s while continuously battling chronic pain and repetitive leg injuries in the midst of touring across the world. Even so, she appears teary-eyed at the thought of not performing to her fullest potential. 

The World’s A Little Blurry even unveils the troubling love and loss of Eilish’s romantic life. Delving into her relationship with ‘Q’, we are brought face to face with the unfiltered manipulation that took a harsh toll on her mental health. Between a deep lack of communication and understanding, the relationship inevitably crumbles. The sequence is a hard watch as Billie struggles to comprehend the complexity of loving another while maintaining care for yourself. But perhaps the most difficult realization is in the authenticity of the scenario. Eilish is far from alone in witnessing neglect in a relationship and Cutler captures the blinding, harmful love experienced by many in a perfect spotlight. 

This film breaks down every barrier in the romanticism of fame, proving to be a must-watch for any fan of Eilish or music industry professional alike. Unspoken hardships of mental health are revealed in an eye opening manner, sparking the conversations that cannot be ignored any longer. Billie Eilish has become an authentic voice for our generation, and The World’s A Little Blurry only further proves the beloved star is worthy of all the praise she receives. 

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