Why Netflix's Shawn Mendes Doc Is a Must-Watch (According to Shawn Mendes)
Shawn Mendes is making a solid case for why his Netflix documentary, Shawn Mendes: In Wonder, is required viewing for everyone.
At a recent virtual press conference, the 22-year-old singer revealed exclusive details about the new film, which was released on Nov. 23. In the doc, we see a more vulnerable side of Mendes as he discusses his rise to fame and how it's affecting his personal life. As the official description reads, it's "a heartfelt look at a songwriter and performer wrestling with the pressures of stardom and the emotional tolls of coming-of-age while the world watches."
During the conference, the performer not only opened up about behind-the-scenes moments, but he also laid out four reasons that this film is a must-watch. See below for all the details.
1. You'll see quite a few unfiltered moments
Since the movie aims to give fans an up-close and personal look at the singer, it comes as no surprise that this doc includes some candid and less glamorous moments.
When Mendes was asked if he regretted including anything in the film, He responded, "No, nothing at all. The truth is that if I sat through it a million times before it came out and tried to find the version of me that I wanted everybody to see, it would be a horrible film. I had to really trust Grant and my manager Andrew, who were working so hard at making a correct portrait of me, and that was all I could do. But when I watch myself say weird things, sometimes I'm like, 'Maybe that didn't have to go in there, but who even cares?'"
While discussing his intentions for the film, the director, Grant Singer, also added, "I wanted to make an immersive, exhilarating, cinematic, beautiful portrait of the world that he lives in, and then immerse the viewer into his life. There are moments where I'm so close to him on stage, it feels like you're seeing the world from his eyes. I really wanted to get that close."
2. It's pretty inspiring
While explaining what he wanted fans to take away from his documentary, Mendes revealed that the main goal was to help and inspire others. He said, "I was always hoping for inspiration. And I know so many people have reached out to me, telling me how inspired this documentary made them, so I really feel really happy about that."
3. Shawn gets candid about his love for Camila
Don't worry—we won't give too much away. But one of the most memorable moments in the film is when Mendes describes his love for Camila Cabello in a very poetic way.
While reflecting on that moment, he explained, "I think it might have happened in the moment. We tapped in every time, it was like, the cameras are rolling, [the director is] asking me questions...and I'll tap into some real [feelings], and that's a lot of candid stuff."
He continued, "But what people don't see are the 50 hours of conversation that didn't make it in the film. So of course, he found a couple of candid, beautiful, profound things. It doesn't mean everything that comes out of my mouth is profound."
4. He also opens up about how his fame affected him
During the interview, Mendes touched on his own journey to self-discovery—which also happens to be the key focus of In Wonder.
He said, "There were times in my life where I was completely consumed by my success and by how many followers I was getting on Instagram and how many likes each photo was getting, and I felt like it was driving me to a place where I started to identify with my success before identifying with who I am as a person."
He continued, "Having conversations with wise people has been my favorite thing to do on my off time, and I think that helps me figure out who I want to be and who I am."
If you have yet to see the documentary, Shawn Mendes: In Wonder is currently streaming on Netflix.
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