7 Takeaways from "The World's A Little Blurry"
On Feb. 26, Apple TV+ dropped Billie Eilish’s documentary, “The World’s A Little Blurry.” For fans of Eilish and even casual viewers, the R.J. Cutler-directed film is a crowd-pleasing look into the life of one of music’s biggest celebrities. It is an intimate glimpse into the then 17-year-old’s rapid rise to stardom, so here are seven standout takeaways from the film:
THE DIFFICULTIES OF LOVE ON THE ROAD
Viewers are introduced to Eilish’s boyfriend at the time, Brandon Quentin Adams, whom she endearingly calls “Q.” She hadn’t previously gone public with this relationship, so it was a surprise to witness the highs and lows of her secret romance. There are charming scenes depicting Eilish and Q looking very much in love, and others showing the impacts of their conflicting schedules, most notably the fiasco that is Coachella — she invites him for free under the assumption that his attendance would mean extra time to spend together, but that doesn’t happen.
Slowly but surely, viewers see the relationship reduced to shallow interactions and missed calls. By the end of the documentary, the former lovebirds are revealed to be broken up because “they wanted different things.” Throughout the film, it’s clear that Eilish ultimately craves the presence, commitment, and warmth of her loved ones.
2. THE EILISH FAMILY’S BOND
In that same vein, while her romance didn’t flourish, her family appears to be unbreakable, and more importantly, a great source of strength and stability for Eilish. Most music fans know Finneas, her older brother, is essentially half of the act that is Billie Eilish. Every song Eilish performs is either written, co-written or produced by Finneas from their childhood bedroom.
As close as she is to Finneas, she is also super close with her mom and dad who seem to be involved with every aspect of her fame. From constructively critiquing unfinished tracks to lending a helping hand on the road during the tour, her parents are really with her every step of the way.
3. BILLIE’S DEALT WITH MANY PHYSICAL TOLLS
Viewers learn more about Eilish’s Tourette Syndrome diagnosis as well. In late 2018, Eilish actually addressed it after compilation videos of her “tic attacks” were released on the internet, but the film obviously provides a deeper look at her triggers and coping mechanisms.
Eilish has taken the DIY approach to nearly every aspect of her creative journey, and it’s proving successful.
Eilish also reveals she grew up dancing and had to stop due to an injury a few years prior. For an entire year, she couldn't get out of bed and she hasn’t taken part in her first passion since. On the road where the physical demands of putting on a high-energy show are draining, Eilish endures multiple injuries from throwing her neck out, getting shin splints, and even spraining her ankle onstage in Milan. Viewers see Eilish grapple with wanting to give a great show while dealing with her body going through so much, and how she must ease herself into prioritizing things like physical therapy as an important element of self-care.
4. BILLIE LOVES AND HATES SONGWRITING
As much as she values being a part of every process of her artistic deliverables, Eilish could do without songwriting. She says her parents were very influential sources of her musicality from writing to playing instruments, so the process is nothing new to her, but she often feels that with writing songs comes the added pressure of being misunderstood in terms of ideas she wants to express — oftentimes more macabre, expectations from the label to make a hit, and ultimately, just not being good enough at it, especially given Finneas’ knack for it.
5. THE POWER OF THE INTERNET’S INFLUENCE
Despite Eilish’s apparent maturity, she is a child of the internet era. Even as famous as she is when she sees one negative comment in a sea of all caps “I LOVE YOU”’s it has the power to ruin her day. In one scene, a chaotic meet & greet with unnamed executives, label reps, and their entourages leaves Eilish very obviously not on board. The next day, comments start trickling in about her “bad attitude”, leaving her feeling even more down and angry. It is a stark contrast to the super kind Eilish who is exceptionally giving and comfortable with her fans - accepting their gifts, hugs, and selfie requests at every turn.
Eilish was tapped to write the latest James Bond theme — a feat reserved for legends. Even writing the theme made her anxious, worrying that “belting” on the track would leave fans deeming her inauthentic and “making fun of her” on the internet.
One thing Cutler captures so well is Eilish’s constant need to be in defense mode in spite of her success. Over the course of the 2.5 hours, she candidly discusses her struggles with self-harm, anxiety, and depression, even letting viewers get a glimpse of her sketchbook and old diary entries.
6. JUSTIN BIEBER IS A GEM
Eilish meets Bieber, her musical idol. Eilish meets him during Coachella, where she just so happens to be headlining. After crying in his arms and departing, he sends her a beautiful DM about how special it was to meet her and reminds her to remain humble and present.
Then, after she sweeps every major award at the 2020 Grammys, he FaceTimes her and she picks up on the first ring. He lavishes her with even more praise and gratitude and sends his love to Finneas and the rest of her family.
7. BILLIE’S CREATIVE CONTROL
Viewers get a look at Eilish visualizing the treatment for the video for “when the party’s over,” using her mother as a test model in an iPhone video taken in her family's backyard. Even with minimal props and resources, Eilish is meticulous about her vision. When she goes to work with the director on set to bring her vision to life, she’s visibly annoyed and declares that it’s the last time she’ll let someone else direct on her behalf.
Flashforward to the shoot for “everything I wanted,” and Eilish is directing her brother Finneas through scenes, bringing her vision to life on her own. It was awesome to see how her talents are not limited to singing and writing alone. Eilish has taken the DIY approach to nearly every aspect of her creative journey, and it’s proving successful.
Not being a super fan of Eilish myself, the film humanized her experiences as a fast-rising pop star, documenting everything from her childhood roots in California to going on tour and creating her debut album, “WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?” from start to finish. It’s convenient to look at pop stars and think they have it super easy, but Cutler injected tons of compassion into her experience that will likely prompt viewers to take some time going through Eilish’s catalog as soon as the movie fades to black.
