Review of Shawn Mendes: In Wonder (2020) by Mas100 — 24 Nov 2020

Exec produced by Shawn & his mgr, it's easy to see how this doc serves primarily as marketing for his upcoming album and to uphold his mask of perfection intact. Plenty of scripted voiceovers by Shawn starting with the opening scene which shows him naked and buff in the shower, a self-indulgent thirst-trap.

It sets the tone for the rest of the film. This, I assume, is a tour documentary hence 70% of the film is dedicated to images of screaming fans, filled stadiums & adulation for the idol. The doc allowed me to appreciate his passion, talent and hard-work, but it portraited a privileged white man who faced no adversity to reach his success beyond putting in the effort.

And that seems to be the truth, so not much story to be had here. The parts of the documentary that I appreciated more are the intimate moments in his life outside the stage-persona. Glimpses of his relationship with his girlfriend (singer Camila Cabello) show him at his most vulnerable & open, their relationship will likely make a more interesting film.

Good to see he is still closed with his sister, parents & friends back home. The only drama in this film comes from Shawn getting laryngitis in Rio and cancelling the show. But even this is made into a self-indulgent scene complete with a dramatic view of Shawn in the empty stadium calling his mom followed by - you guessed - adoring fans outside his hotel instantly forgiving him & singing his praises.