Watch Straight Into A Storm

Straight Into A Storm is a gripping music documentary that delves into the tumultuous journey of the renowned American rock band, The National. Directed by Tom Berninger, the younger brother of the band's lead singer Matt Berninger, this 2018 film provides an intimate and at times heartbreaking portrayal of the band's struggles, vulnerabilities, and enduring spirit.

The documentary takes place during The National's High Violet tour, which spanned over two years and included sold-out shows and festival appearances across the globe. However, rather than focusing solely on the band's successes, Straight Into A Storm places equal emphasis on the challenges and complexities that arise within the group.

Underlying the entire film is the complicated relationship between Tom and his older brother, Matt. Tom's presence within the crew, acting as an occasional roadie and filmmaker, allows for a unique and personal exploration of the band dynamics. Tom's affectionate and often humorous interactions with his brother and the other members of The National add a layer of raw authenticity to the documentary.

From the outset, Straight Into A Storm presents itself as much more than a typical music documentary. The film strikes a delicate balance between concert footage, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and interviews, creating a multidimensional narrative that goes beyond the surface level. This approach gives viewers a deep understanding of the band's creative process, interpersonal dynamics, and the emotional toll that their intense touring schedule takes on the members.

The documentary captures the heart and soul of The National's music through electrifying live performances. Tom skillfully intertwines these captivating concert sequences with insightful interviews, where band members reflect on their personal struggles, relationships, and the impact of their music on themselves and their fans. Through these conversations, Straight Into A Storm delves into the vulnerabilities and insecurities that lie beneath the band's polished exterior, revealing the struggles they have faced as individuals and as a collective.

One of the most poignant aspects of the film is its exploration of the band's battle with the "rock 'n' roll mythology." As their music gains popularity, The National grapple with the expectations of their fans and the pressure to conform to the image of a conventional rock band. Straight Into A Storm challenges these stereotypes, highlighting the band's introspective and subtle approach to their craft, which often defies traditional notions of rock stardom.

The documentary also addresses the toll that touring takes on the band members' personal lives. It features interviews with their families, who share the impact of their absence, and their struggles to balance their passion for music with their responsibilities as husbands and fathers. These personal stories shed light on the sacrifices made by those closest to the band, and the strain it can place on relationships.

In addition to the emotional weight, Straight Into A Storm also captures moments of camaraderie, humor, and the unwavering bond between the band members. It delves into their unique dynamic, showcasing their individual strengths and weaknesses, while conveying the deep connection they share as musicians and as friends. This exploration of their personal journeys adds depth to the film and offers valuable insight into the inner workings of The National.

Straight Into A Storm emerges as a powerful tribute to The National's unwavering dedication to their music and their pursuit of authenticity. With its honest portrayal of the band's triumphs and tribulations, the documentary elevates itself above a standard concert film, presenting an intimate and nuanced portrait of one of the most influential bands of their generation. Whether a fan of The National or not, this captivating documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in the music industry, creative processes, and the intricacies of human relationships.

Straight Into A Storm is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 48.