Despite Metallica’s decades-long status as an essential part of the Bay Area musical landscape, revelations about the iconic heavy metal band abound in this vibrant documentary. Jonas Åkerlund’s film covers the bases, from the band’s formation in 1981 to its induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but this is less a story of the group than of the community that has grown around it. Phenomenally diverse and accepting, it developed organically, arising out of the band’s tours and online culture. In one testimonial after another, the fans act as ambassadors, describing how this kinship changed the lives of people sometimes dispossessed, stigmatized, or isolated. The most touching tributes come from some of the most unlikely sources, as one devotee after another shares the tectonic, life-affirming impact of Metallica. The documentary is not only a must-see for fans but also provides ample evidence to the uninitiated that Metallica is so much more than a band. —Sterling Hedgpeth
Jonas Åkerlund
Jonas Åkerlund is a globally acclaimed director known for his work in feature films, documentaries, music videos, commercials, and stage productions. His innovative storytelling and visually distinctive style continually redefine the industry’s boundaries. Most recently, Jonas directed the livestream production of Madonna: The Celebration Tour in Rio (2024) and Billy Idol Should Be Dead (2025). In addition to his six feature films, including the cult classic Spun (2002) and Lord of Chaos (2018), Jonas has brought his unique vision to Netflix with the creation and direction of the six-episode drama series Clark(2022) and the graphic novel adaptation Polar (2019).
JONAS ÅKERLUND: Director (Both Screenings)
LARS ULRICH: Metallica Co-Founder (Centerpiece Only)
SPONSORED BY
