Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me is a documentary about the musician's life from 2016 - 2020.
This is not like those Netflix musician documentaries. This is a real, relatable, mental health documentary. I don't necessarily think this has a bigger message that needs to connect with the viewer. I think this was just a way to inform the viewer of Selena's journey through her diagnosis of bipolar disorder and how her Lupus affects her mentally and physically. This documentary also helps her segment into what she wants to be in the future: a philanthropist. She mentions philanthropy and helping people be more comfortable with themselves.
From the first couple of minutes, I think this was originally supposed to be a Revival Tour documentary. It showed clips of the tour and Selena's endeavors during the tour. But the Revival Tour was canceled due to her not feeling well and being admitted to an institution. From there, it might've been assumed that the tour clips would be discarded. However, the film does pick up in 2019, when Selena is starting to plan her comeback after 4 years of being absent due to her health condition (Lupus and mental illness).
It doesn't touch on too much drama that happened these past years. It did explain what happened to her at her AMA's performance and what it is like releasing an album and her emotions towards it. But nothing about her past relationships, besides the ones she's rekindled. (Close family and friends back home in Texas) There weren't that many testimonials in the film, compared to how documentaries/docuseries work nowadays. Those may have been covered by Selena's diary entries being read out loud to continue the story.
One thing I disliked about the documentary is the lack of proper time stamps. The film kept switching between dates. I would've preferred a date stamp, especially when she was planning her comeback and when she was in Kenya. Since this is a documentary, I don't think I have that many dislikes about it since she was in control of what is presented. Selena chose to talk about her struggles with her health and connection to others, not the drama. This documentary is similar to Demi Lovato's Docuseries on Youtube since they both have had similar mental health problems and backgrounds when it comes to their career.
This documentary does show a different side of Selena, which is saddening and powerful to watch. I've been a fan and looked up to her since she was on Disney Channel and to see her cry over her past haunting her is sad to watch. But to also see her heal and accept that part of her life does put a smile on your face.
Do I recommend watching this? Of course. Whether it's because you're a Selena Gomez fan or because the documentary is relatable and good to watch, it is a film that can change your perspective. Maybe not through Selena's story, but maybe through the two girls in Kenya that tell their stories with mental health, life, and education. Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me is a good film.
Rating: 9/10
