The experience feels like witnessing someone enact their own demise without understanding why. Joy Division, those innovative Manchester musicians who defined dark post-punk and whose singer, Ian Curtis, embodied some of the era’s deepest suffering, are the subject of this film. Directed by Grant Gee and written by Jon Savage, the documentary doesn't offer anything new for dedicated fans—and I proudly count myself among them. Musical documentaries often receive excessive praise from enthusiasts simply because they enjoy seeing their favorite artists on screen. While Gee’s film has value as an introduction to Joy Division for newcomers or those drawn to their intensely poetic and sorrowful music, longtime followers of the band and its evolution into New Order won't find any fresh insights here. It’s frustrating that Deborah Curtis, Ian’s widow, isn’t featured, with only printed quotes provided instead. It’s possible she declined to appear alongside Annik Honoré, another significant figure in Ian Curtis’ life and a source of his distress, who seems eager to contribute to the film's narrative. At times, it feels like a pale imitation of Anton Corbijn’s excellent film, *Control*, but with band members and associates offering commentary from the sidelines. However, the inclusion of live performance footage elevates the film to the same high standard as *Control* and Deborah Curtis’ memoir, *Touching from a Distance*. Ultimately, *Joy Division* is essential viewing for fans, mainly because of those performances like "Shadowplay," which make you overlook the film's somewhat predictable and commercial nature—and I say that with genuine regret. 8/10

Source on TMDB