Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil at SXSW 2021
Written By: Margaux Fortier
Interview still from Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil | Credit: OBB MEDIA
Demi Lovato has had a rollercoaster of a life but how much of what we’ve read and heard about her is true? Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil is an intimate, in-depth look at the life that she has kept behind closed doors for years and finally discusses some tragic truths that the public has been speculating. From her near fatal overdose in 2018 to her personal MeToo experience to her struggle with body image and sexuality, this docuseries is shedding light on Demi Lovato’s story in a powerful way.
Director Michael Ratner pulls back the curtain to reveal the life of Demi Lovato. Beginning with showing the rush and buzz of her tour and hearing compliments about her performances being the best they’ve ever been, a shadow descends on the shine of stardom as the viewer realizes that these are some of the moments that led up to her near-fatal overdose in July 2018. Controlling management, public scrutiny, and scars from her past are woven together to set the stage for the event that shocked the news media.
Director: Michael D. Ratner | Credit: Getty Images
Many very personal details are discussed in the series and analyzed around the idea that a whole story can be built around one life event. The strength that it takes for Demi to describe what can be assumed to be the worst she has ever felt is eye-opening, as well as the lasting effects on her life physically. Her life is forever changed but she is using this second chance to do some good for herself and others. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, 2 years following her overdose, she gave an awe-inspiring performance at the Grammys and sang the National Anthem at the Super Bowl to mark her return to music.
During a panel at SXSW 2021, Demi revealed that when she woke up in the hospital room following her overdose, she knew she wanted to share her story to try to help others. Her startlingly honest account of her experience interwoven with interviews from friends and family depict the reality of addiction from all sides while also revealing elements of the story no one has ever heard. Demi’s survival was reliant on the people around her and they literally saved her life with minutes to spare. Most importantly, the docuseries is a beacon project for discussing mental health and why having the right support around you can make all the difference.
Demi Lovato and Michael D. Ratner answers questions at the SXSW Film Festival Premiere of "YouTube Originals Docuseries "Demi Lovato Dancing with the Devil" Special Event Q&A" during SXSW Online on March 16, 2021
“You are not defined by your lowest moments” fades in at the end of the last episode and provides viewers with links to help those who may be struggling. The powerful take away from the series as a whole is to believe in the power of redemption and to never forget the resilience of the human spirit. Demi Lovato has the audience and the platform to make a difference in the lives of others and she is choosing to do just that. Many times, people who are famous are thought to have it all but in reality, fame is a powerful and consuming force that can do just as much harm as it can good. Demi knew she wanted to create this narrative, though she was terrified of public scrutiny, in order to bring about catharsis to her life and support to others who may be watching.
With her vulnerability in this project and her newly found sense of self, Demi Lovato is paving a road of breaking stigmas and building acceptance. She is challenging expectations and finally being true to herself. Her work is important to the world of women in media and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.
New music by Demi Lovato is being released on April 2, 2021 as part of the album, Dancing with the Devil… The Art of Starting Over.
Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil is available on YouTube. Parts 1 & 2 are available on March 23, 2021 and Parts 3 & 4 are available on March 30 and April 6.
Watch Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZmXF50Yx7I
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Interview still from Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil | Credit: OBB MEDIA
