Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road

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2:09

Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road

2021

1h 33m

Documentary

Music

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

89%

Tomatometer

27 Reviews

85%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Join The Beach Boy's Brian Wilson on an intimate journey through his legendary career as he reminisces with Rolling Stone editor and longtime friend, Jason Fine. Featuring a new song written and performed by Wilson and interviews with Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Nick Jonas, Linda Perry, Jim James, Gustavo Dudamel and Al Jardine.

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Critics Consensus

It can't solve the mysteries surrounding its mercurial subject, but Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road takes a compelling and affecting look at the man behind the music.

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Simran Hans

Observer (UK)

Wilson isn't especially articulate, but his emotional responses to the individual songs are often lucid and revealing.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 23, 2022

Full Review

Neil McCormick

Daily Telegraph (UK)

Long Promised Road doesn't really bring us any closer to comprehending the inner workings of Brian Wilson's extraordinary mind, but it might just remind us that there is a real suffering human being behind the musical magic.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 20, 2022

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Ben Beaumont-Thomas

Guardian

Kindly film-making that puts Wilson at ease, and allows for some rare, unusual portraiture of the Beach Boys mastermind.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 20, 2022

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Verlyn Klinkenborg

The New York Review of Books

Long Promised Road feels both vapid and exploitative. And worse, it has almost nothing of value to tell us about the actual music Wilson created.

Oct 1, 2022

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Stephen Troussé

Uncut Magazine [UK]

[A] modest, elliptical, ultimately desperately moving new documentary.

Rated: 4/5

Mar 18, 2022

Full Review

Terry Staunton

Radio Times

[An] evocative if unsurprising documentary...

Rated: 3/5

Feb 18, 2022

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Avid movie goer

If your a Beach Boys Brian Wilson fan you need to see this movie about Brian Wilson. Must See!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/21/21

Full Review

Sandy McKinley

Loved this film and the humble genius and humanity of Brian Wilson. Brought back fond memories of his 50th anniversary of Pet Sounds tour to Denver.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/18/21

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Brandon F

Long live Brian Wilson! Beautiful and touching documentary.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/18/21

Full Review

Gus C

I watched this movie upon Brian's passing and couldn't believe I'd not seen it yet. I understand the traumas Brian went through and how they affect him now much more clearly than in any other documentary I'd seen before. I would say this film is not just for Brian Wilson fans either. I think this is for anyone who has struggled with mental illness or knows anyone who suffers. In watching this film I think you will better understand what they are going through and I think you will find strength in Brian's inspiring story and this amazing film.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

06/14/25

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John B

I enjoyed this documentary about the legend Brian Wilson as we get some more back story & insight into their journey as the Beach boys and the demons that Brian had to grapple with. I also enjoyed the the interviews with other music legends that provided their take on the group and how influential their music was along with the brilliance of Brian's music that was created in the 60's & 70's.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/16/23

Full Review

bob p

Besides the excellent interviews with Elton John and Bruce Springsteen I like this documentary but was disappointed in the mundane banter in the car and the songs they selected to play. The Beach Boys were so outstanding in the very early days before Brian Wilson had severe mental issues. I wish the film explored this more. His songwriting was so ahead of its time.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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Brent Wilson

Director

Brian Wilson

Self

Elton John

Self

Bruce Springsteen

Self

Nick Jonas

Self

Jason Fine

Self

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Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road: Trailer 1

2:09

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Synopsis

Join The Beach Boy's Brian Wilson on an intimate journey through his legendary career as he reminisces with Rolling Stone editor and longtime friend, Jason Fine. Featuring a new song written and performed by Wilson and interviews with Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Nick Jonas, Linda Perry, Jim James, Gustavo Dudamel and Al Jardine.

Director: Brent Wilson
Producer: Tim Headington, Theresa Page, Brent Wilson, Theresa Steele Page
Screenwriter: Jason Fine, Brent Wilson, Jason Fine
Distributor: Screen Media Films
Production Co: Ley Line Entertainment
Genre: Documentary, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 19, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 19, 2021
Runtime: 1h 33m

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