I caught this movie as part of the Boston Independent a Film Festival this year (2016). There are documentaries that make you think about the subject for the few hours after you see it, there are documentaries that are well done but don't inspire discussion, and then there are documentaries that force you to immerse yourself in the subject at hand. Gorman Bechard's latest rock doc falls into the last category. At least once a day I find myself thinking back to some part of this movie. The story focuses on the lifeblood of a working musician-recording and touring. Excellent interviews with Lydia and her band throughout give us the answer to this question. Like most subjects there is not just one answer you will come away from the movie with an appreciation for the challenges it takes to be an artist in a world which appears to put less value on art.

I'll be honest – I attended the screening in Raleigh for the solo performance after the movie. At live shows, Lydia's amazing vocals are often overwhelmed by the mix of her band, so eight hours of travel was well worth hearing her solo. I was initially skeptical of a movie about her – at just 25 years old, exactly how do you fill almost two hours of screen time??? But I came away really impressed. The movie is extremely well constructed, with artifices and devices that move the story in an interesting way. The scrapbook motif was brilliant, although the "super heroes" could have been left on the cutting room floor. Even if you have no idea who Lydia Loveless is (your loss), this movie is put together in a way that will draw you in.

The documentary answers the question as we meet this young and interesting singer. We are exposed to the highs and lows of life on the road and the complexity of her personality. I enjoyed seeing the creative process unfold combined with angst that usually goes, but rarely seen, among creative people. I hadn't a clue who she was prior to seeing this film at the Boston International Film Festival; now i know and i suspect that we will see more of her. The film makers take us on a brilliant visual trip that lets us enter the world of these brilliant musicians.

Caught this at a film festival in Columbus Ohio. An in depth interview/visceral dissection of a brilliant songwriter climbing through the growth and successes of her rock band. Very real life with insightful questions and behind the scene stories of a rise to success. Part history of the band, part commentary on what it means to be true to your art, and along the way you learn that Lydia has surrounded herself with an incredibly talented team. You will enjoy this not only for the outstanding sound and music, but also because you can't watch this and not be captivated by her talents. She refuses to be categorized to one genre, and you walk away thinking she doesn't write or perform because she wants to, it's because she NEEDS to. If you love interesting dialogue and laughing at the joys of real life, you will really enjoy this unique documentary. It kicks ass, like Lydia does.