Watch Metallica: Through the Never

Metallica: Through the Never is a concert film and narrative feature hybrid released in 2013 featuring the legendary heavy metal band, Metallica. It stars Dane DeHaan, best known for his roles in Chronicle (2012) and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014), as well as James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, the co-founders of Metallica. Directed by Nimród Antal, the film is a unique and immersive audiovisual experience that blends Metallica's music and stage performance with a fictional storyline.

The movie opens with a young roadie named Trip (DeHaan) getting ready for his first day of work with Metallica. As he prepares to assist with the band's live concert, he encounters various obstacles such as rowdy fans, mechanical failures, and violent riots occurring outside the stadium. The plot follows Trip's quest to retrieve a mysterious item needed by the band, facing several hurdles along the way. As Trip's story unfolds, the film cuts between his journey and Metallica's explosive live performances.

The concert footage interwoven throughout the film showcases Metallica's talent and intense energy on stage. Antal employs several cinematographic techniques to add to the visual spectacle, such as aerial shots, handheld cameras, and close-ups of the band members. The stage design and pyrotechnics are also impressive, as the band plays on a massive platform that hovers above the audience, while flamethrowers, lasers and other special effects are used to enhance the overall mood of the show. Every detail is captured, from Hetfield's imposing stage presence to Ulrich's thunderous drumming to Kirk Hammett's virtuosic guitar solos.

Moreover, the sound design in Metallica: Through the Never is outstanding, with the concert footage mixed expertly by music producer Greg Fidelman. The loud, bombastic instrumentals blend seamlessly with Hetfield's signature growls and Ulrich's drum beats to create a thrilling sonic experience. Some of Metallica's biggest hits are featured in the movie, including "Master of Puppets," "One," and "Enter Sandman," as well as a few lesser-known tracks. Notably, the band plays a stripped-down, acoustic rendition of "The Four Horsemen," providing a unique and emotional moment in the film.

The storyline with DeHaan's character adds an extra dimension to Metallica: Through the Never, introducing a fantastical element to the movie. The protagonist's journey takes unexpected turns as he encounters surreal, otherworldly scenes, which blur the line between reality and hallucination. The story ultimately builds up to a climactic scene that ties everything together, though viewers may be left with questions regarding the meaning of some of the film's more abstract moments. Nevertheless, DeHaan gives a solid performance as Trip, embodying the young, star-struck roadie with both enthusiasm and desperation.

On the whole, Metallica: Through the Never is a gripping, exhilarating film for both fans of Metallica and general moviegoers alike. The concert footage offers a thrilling window into the band's live performances, while the narrative segments provide an intriguing and visually stunning storyline that adds meaning and context to the music being played. The film's ability to balance both elements cohesively is impressive, resulting in a unique product that transcends the typical concert movie format. Whether viewed on the big screen or on home video, Metallica: Through the Never remains a testament to Metallica's enduring legacy and musical prowess.

In conclusion, Metallica: Through the Never is a must-see film for heavy metal enthusiasts and any audience seeking an immersive concert experience combined with a compelling storyline. The film pays tribute to Metallica's legacy as one of the greatest rock bands of all time, showcasing their music in a new and exciting way. Furthermore, the movie adds a unique narrative twist that sets it apart from other traditional concert movies in terms of overall experience. As such, Metallica: Through the Never is a definite recommendation, regardless of whether you are a Metallica fan or not.

Metallica: Through the Never is a 2013 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 61.