At some point in their highly publicized careers, many celebrities, artists, and actors alike have taken it upon themselves to make a documentary about themselves. A deep dive into their personal lives. This has especially been a trend lately, with Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift being two notable names. Now, highly beloved actor Michael J. Fox gives fans rare and honest insights into who he is. And he owns his narrative every step of the way.

Directed by Davis Guggenheim, Oscar-winner for An Inconvenient Truth (2006), Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie gives a comprehensive look into Fox’s life. It begins with the early days of his childhood when he moved to Hollywood and landed his first role on Family Ties (1982-1989). The rest of his legacy is one that many of us know — Back to the Future (1985) included. But the story of when he was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which Fox kept a secret from the public for seven years, is one that many viewers may not be as aware of.

The risk of many self-narrated documentaries is that they can come off as self-congratulatory and disingenuous. But right away, in a visually arresting and clever opening sequence, it’s clear that Still is just as invested in telling Fox’s story with care as Fox is himself. The end result is a heartfelt, entertaining, and educational documentary that is always in tune with its subject. Still follows the ebb and flow of one actor’s journey to paint a universal and profound portrait of resilience and the human experience.

The strongest part of Still is how effectively Guggenheim is able to blend filmed dramatizations with archival and film footage from Fox’s career. For instance, when Fox discussed the sleep-deprived three months of his life when he was filming Family Ties by day and Back to the Future at night, there’s a scene shown from Family Ties where his character is struggling to balance his work life. This choice not only provides fans a fun callback to his most iconic roles but, most importantly, establishes the central theme: Fox, as a worldwide famous actor, reconciles the image of his persona with who he is.

In many ways, Still feels like Fox working through his life, both in its highest and lowest moments. He discusses how what brings an actor joy is really about them running away from themselves as he interrogates himself and what brought him to the big screen in the first place.

The pacing of the film is another excellent component as the 94-minute runtime moves by with ease. Editor Michael Harte seamlessly cuts back and forth from Fox’s past to moments and his present before eventually bridging the two gaps. The progression of events carries real momentum throughout the entire film. Whether it’s watching Fox audition for his first big role and making everyone in the room who doubted him laugh or meeting his wife, Tracy Pollan, on set, each and every part of his life is equally fascinating to watch.

Still also brings much-needed awareness to Parkinson’s disease. Guggenheim chooses to focus on moments in the present day showing Fox’s daily life with Parkinson’s and how it continues to affect him. Perhaps it could’ve been worth it to see even more of the work Fox has done with launching his own foundation, although we do see a glimpse of that. The powerful ending moments are emotionally stirring and make it clear what the title Still is all about. Fox moved so fast throughout his life as a young star that he forgot to stop and truly take notice of the things around him in life.

As Fox himself says, he doesn’t want the audience’s pity. He simply wants to tell his story and make us laugh. The story audiences are left with is one that anybody and everybody should check out. It’s a true testament to the power of getting back up and staying true to yourself no matter what.

Review Courtesy of Matt Minton