Name: Angèle
Genre: Documentary, Music
Released: 2021-11-26T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Angèle

The opening shot of Angèle (2021) is a close-up of Belgian pop star Angèle Van Laeken’s fingers dancing across a piano keyboard, her nails painted a bold, unapologetic red. It’s an image that encapsulates the film’s central tension: the public persona versus the private self. Directed by Brice VDH and Sébastien Rensonnet, this documentary offers an intimate portrait of Angèle as she navigates the highs and lows of fame.

The film is a companion piece to Angèle’s second album, Nonante-Cinq, which Pitchfork noted for its “gift for imbuing joyful, self-possessed dance pop with bittersweet emotion.” Indeed, the documentary mirrors this duality, blending moments of vulnerability with showcases of her stage presence. One standout sequence is a performance of “What You Want” (feat. Justice), shot on an iPhone by the collective (LA)HORDE. The raw, unfiltered footage contrasts sharply with the polished music videos that dominate Angèle’s public image, offering a glimpse into the authenticity that underpins her artistry.

However, the film stumbles in its attempt to balance Angèle’s personal reflections with broader social commentary. Some segments feel overly didactic, as if the directors are trying too hard to make a statement about the pressures of fame and identity. An IMDb user review critiques the film for being “too woke,” and while that’s a loaded term, there’s some truth to the observation that certain moments veer into preachiness rather than organic exploration.

Angèle’s performances, both on and off stage, are the film’s strongest suit. Her candor about her struggles with loneliness and the emotional toll of constant scrutiny is compelling. But the documentary’s pacing falters in its second act, where it delves into the behind-the-scenes process of songwriting without offering enough narrative momentum.

Ultimately, Angèle is a mixed bag. It succeeds as a character study but fails to fully capitalize on its subject’s rich, complex persona.

Tags: Angèle, Brice VDH, Sébastien Rensonnet