The Boy from Medellín

A progressively compelling documentary, The Boy from Medellín follows popular Latin musician J Balvin as he returns to his hometown and prepares to put on a tour-ending concert in front of a massive audience. It’s hard to deny that The Boy from Medellín suffers from a for-fans-only vibe at its outset, as filmmaker Matthew Heineman delivers an interesting yet somewhat fawning portrait of a celebrity who’s essentially conquered his chosen field. There’s little doubt, then, that the picture grows more and more compelling as Heineman strips away the glam and begins exploring his subject’s personality, with, especially, Balvin’s ongoing struggles with depression and anxiety going a long way towards transforming him into a sympathetic (and even relatable) figure. It’s clear, too, that Heineman’s emphasis on the political struggles simultaneously occurring in Colombia lends the proceedings a weight that one might not have anticipated, and it’s certainly fascinating to watch Balvin try to decide how best to address the civil unrest happening all around him. By the time the compelling final stretch rolls around, in which Heineman effectively captures Balvin’s pre-show jitters (ie we can feel the stress emanating off him), The Boy from Medellín has undoubtedly confirmed its place as a solid portrait of a surprisingly intriguing and thoughtful pop star.

*** out of ****