Watch Juice WRLD: Into the Abyss

Juice WRLD: Into the Abyss is a 2021 documentary film that provides an intimate look into the life and music career of rapper Juice WRLD. Directed by Cole Bennett, the film traces Juice WRLD's journey from a young, aspiring artist in Chicago to becoming one of the most popular new rappers before his untimely death at age 21. Through interviews with Juice WRLD himself as well as his closest collaborators, Into the Abyss gives viewers insight into his creative process, relationships, struggles with addiction and mental health.

The film opens with home video footage of a young Juice WRLD freestyling and singing in his bedroom, showcasing his early talent and passion for music. We then see his breakout hit "Lucid Dreams" going viral in 2018, providing him the platform to get signed to a major label deal with Interscope Records. Archive footage shows Juice in the studio with collaborators like Lil Bibby, recording hits like "All Girls Are the Same” and “Lean Wit Me.” The film also provides a window into Juice WRLD’s relationship with his girlfriend Ally Lotti, who speaks candidly about their love and her efforts to support Juice as he struggled with substance abuse issues.

A good portion of the runtime is devoted to Juice WRLD’s creative process in the studio. Viewers get to witness his incredible freestyling abilities as he improvises entire songs off the top of his head. His collaborators explain how Juice would often lay down complete songs in one take, channeling raw emotion into his lyrics. We also see Juice in more unguarded moments, joking around with his friends or reflecting on the darker parts of fame.

The documentary does not shy away from exploring Juice WRLD’s battles with addiction and mental health struggles. He is open about his use of substances like lean to self-medicate his depression and anxiety. However, the film shows how substance abuse started to negatively impact his relationships and performances. After an overdose incident on tour, Juice committed to rehab and cleaning up his lifestyle. Tragically, just as he seemed to be in a better place, the 21-year-old rapper died of an accidental overdose in December 2019.

The final part of the film focuses on Juice WRLD’s legacy. Despite his short career, he managed to leave an indelible impact on hip hop and the music industry through his honest, soul-baring lyrics and versatile melodic style. The film concludes with footage of massive tribute murals painted for Juice after his passing, demonstrating how he touched millions of lives around the world.

Juice WRLD: Into the Abyss provides an intimate portrait of one of rap's most talented young voices, cut short far too soon. Directed with care and nuance, the film explores all facets of Juice's character - his creative brilliance, struggles and relationships - to reveal the sensitive, complicated person behind the meteoric music career. Both long-time fans and newcomers will gain insight into Juice WRLD's artistry and humanity through this documentary.

Juice WRLD: Into the Abyss is a 2021 documentary. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.