Netflix recently released a documentary on songwriter Shawn Mendes. The documentary correlates to his new album release “Wonder” on Dec. 4. Most celebrity documentaries have the same storyline, with the celebrity trying to overcome an obstacle in their life. Mendes’ film is sadly just like the rest of the predictable popstar documentaries. 

“Shawn Mendes: In Wonder” released on Nov. 27 follows Mendes during his last world tour while in the process of writing “Wonder.” The documentary dives into his popularity growing as an artist, as well as a more personal side of him. During the last part of his tour, Mendes loses his voice and can’t perform for his fans. This moment showcased a more vulnerable side of Mendes, something we aren’t used to seeing from him. I believe it’s important for celebrities to show a different side of themselves. Throughout the film, the audience has a great understanding of Shawn’s fear of imperfection and struggles to find self-worth despite his accomplishments. 

However, some parts of the film were a bit slow and boring. “Shawn Mendes: In Wonder” attempts to humanize Mendes, but it doesn’t dig deep enough to crack Mendes’s roots, and doesn’t say anything new about fame that hasn’t been said in other celebrity documentaries. The film felt more of a promotion of his new album than learning about Mendes. 

The album “Wonder” on the other hand is an amazing piece of art, unlike any of his previous albums. Mendes experiments with different sounds of instruments which I usually don’t hear from him. This year he really stepped out of his comfort zone with his music. 

The songs on the album used dreamlike instrumental and experimental sounds to bring more of a personal connection than Shawn Mendes’ popish tunes. Mendes reflects on his love for Camila Cabello and shows his creative vision as he builds on his creativity as an artist. 

My favorite song from the album is “Dream” because it makes me feel as if I’m living in a fantasy world. Mendes brings these beautiful sounds to life throughout “Dream” and makes it a fascinating experience that I’ll never forget.

Moreover, after I finished watching “Shawn Mendes: In Wonder” and listening to the album, it kept me wondering what’s next for Mendes. The film didn’t reach down into Mendes as much as I wanted it to. As for the album that coincided with the film, I wanted more of his love story with Cabello which left me hanging.  

“Shawn Mendes: In Wonder”: ★★★☆☆

“Wonder”: ★★★★☆