After more than forty albums and sales exceeding 150 million copies over fifty years, Iron Maiden seems to be facing up to their age and potentially considering a gradual decline. This documentary revisits the start of their journey, from performances in the back of a van at pubs in the English Midlands to progressively larger venues, ultimately achieving international recognition thanks to the recurring image of the ominous skeletal figure "Ed" on their album covers. Drawing upon an extensive collection of stadium footage and personal archives, this film provides a detailed account of their story—and it doesn't shy away from acknowledging the difficulties they’ve encountered along the way. It wasn't always easy for them, and while they don’t focus extensively on past problems, they do address Paul Di'Anno's departure, the sometimes-strained dynamic between Bruce Dickinson and Steve Harris, and the pressures that have come with a band constantly moving from tour to studio—a demanding cycle that has clearly impacted their health, well-being, and relationships both within the group and beyond. The film also introduces some of their dedicated fans—ranging from Javier Bardem and music journalists to ordinary individuals who’ve found solace in this band during difficult times, even including experiences related to 9/11. There's a sense of authenticity to the film; it avoids unnecessary stylistic flourishes and doesn't rely on gimmicks to keep our attention focused on these musicians who are as reliant on performing live as they could be on anything else. They don’t seem interested in courting publicity, nor do they appear to particularly enjoy dealing with the media. Their appearances on camera are somewhat limited, but there is still a substantial amount of newly recorded audio that helps guide us through the highs and lows of these musicians who have achieved remarkable success not only within their genre but also by occasionally breaking into broader popular culture. I did briefly consider how much better it would have been if Vincent Price had voiced "Ed"—that would have added an extra layer to a story already blending music with political issues, substance abuse, and even some instances of perceived devil worship, all while defying expectations and reaching their seventies! As a timeline, the film is effective not just in documenting this band's history but also illustrating shifts in musical preferences over time. You don’t need to be a metal fan to find it enjoyable.

Source on TMDB