Metallica Through The Never Capsule Review [TIFF 2013]

Please note that this a capsule review. Our full review is under embargo until the film’s release date, which is September 27th, 2013.

Metallica Through The Never is probably the next best thing to actually sitting front row at one of the legendary band’s concerts. If that statement doesn’t tickle your fancy, then you’re best off skipping this one. Though billed as a feature film, Metallica Through The Never is a concert film, through and through. A glorified concert film, maybe, but a concert film nonetheless.

Don’t be fooled by actor Dane DeHaan’s involvement in the movie either. His character Trip, a roadie, is completely perfunctory, speaking no more than four words the entire film and serving zero purpose, aside from acting as a break from the concert footage. We see him embark on a surreal odyssey through the city as he tries to retrieve an unknown item for the band. None of it makes much sense and to be completely honest, the film would have been a lot better without trying to shoehorn in some flimsy narrative that never really goes anywhere and is stretched way too far.

As for the concert footage, well, Metallica puts on quite the show, I’ll give them that. Director Nimrod Antal puts you front row and centre so you can soak up the band’s unyielding energy and marvel at how well the film is shot. Antal has a good grasp on what’s going on here and makes the film look very, very good. Unlike other concert films though, we never get a look at the band off-stage or going about their daily lives, it’s just pure concert footage, which is a bit disappointing to those looking for something deeper.

Held back by an unnecessary narrative, the film will still have fans of the band very pleased, as they are immersed in what is truly some great concert footage. For everyone else though, beware, if you’re not into the band, then Metallica Through The Never will feel like a self-indulgent music video that has overstayed its welcome by about 80 minutes.