Archival footage, new interviews and animation trace the band’s path from a Chicago jazz outfit to a soul-funk hitmaker, with the film drawing added depth from Questlove’s own musical connection to White.
Maurice White’s ambition and flaws both get scrutiny: the review says the film credits his consciousness-raising aims while also confronting philandering and disputes over how he treated bandmates, including his brothers.
Barack Obama appears as the first interview subject, underscoring the access Questlove secured for the 1-hour-59-minute film, which the review ultimately frames as an apt celebration of White’s genius.