Robbie Williams, Netflix, review: the pop star bares all in extended Netflix therapy session

Celebrity documentaries are becoming increasingly popular. David Beckham and Coleen Rooney already have their own documentaries. Now, we have the Robbie Williams four-part series on Netflix. This series explores the innermost thoughts and emotions of the former Take That member. It is refreshing to see that this documentary is far more truthful than the Beckham and Rooney ones. Robbie Williams has always been known for his candid personality and this series showcases that. In fact, he is so honest that he doesn't even bother putting on pants for most of the filming.

In every episode, Williams reflects on his past experiences by watching old video diaries and backstage footage while giving his thoughts and insights. The clips are carefully selected to showcase the ups and downs of being famous and the struggles Williams faced. Although Williams is eloquent and introspective, the show's style feels dull and numbing due to the repetitious shots of Williams wandering around his home or staring at a computer screen. It feels like a drawn-out therapy session.

However, it provides a glimpse into the numerous disadvantages of being famous, such as feeling envious of fellow band members ("Who was the person you disliked the most and why?" queries Williams' 11-year-old daughter, Teddy, while stumbling upon the filming; undoubtedly, the response is "Gary") as well as enduring the exhausting cycle of touring and promoting.

Williams used to be the playful and mischievous member of Take That. However, behind his jolly façade, he was actually insecure. He was only 16 when he became a part of the band, causing him to become emotionally challenged as he did not undergo the usual process of maturing into a grown-up individual. When Williams decided to leave the band, it was then that his struggles surfaced. We may have neglected the gravity of his problems since he made a lot of jokes.

There is a past interview that is difficult to observe nowadays, where Williams talks about his true emotions. He is promoting his upcoming performance at Slane Castle in 1999. The interviewer inquires about how he's feeling. Williams responds with honesty, saying that he has been going through a dark depression for the past five weeks. The interviewer appears annoyed and requests another take. When asked the question again, Williams forces a smile and says that it will be the most significant concert of his life, and it's going to be an amazing experience.

After each episode, just when it seems like things might get better, we receive a caution that they won't. The filmmaker, Joe Pearlman, inquires about what's to come, to which Williams grimly responds, "The severe collapse of my being." As Pearlman inquires about the following episode, Williams warns, "My innermost self devours itself. It's only going to get worse."

For fans of Williams, this film offers plenty of small details to enjoy. Viewers will see clips of the singer with former girlfriends Nicole Appleton and Geri Halliwell, as well as a glimpse inside his beautiful home. The film offers insight into two significant love stories in Williams' life. One is with his wife, Ayda Field, who played a crucial role in his recovery from addiction. The other is with Guy Chambers, Williams' former writing partner. Chambers is portrayed in the old footage as patient, calm, and an all-around good person. The film's only flaw is that it only features present-day Williams, and it would have been nice to have more input from other contributors, particularly Chambers, to provide a more well-rounded picture.

Starting on the 8th of November, you can now watch Robbie Williams on Netflix!