Even if you don’t know the name Lil Nas X, you definitely know the viral hit of 2019 Old Town Road, which saw the singer/rapper catapult to fame with the hip-hop/country hybrid hit featuring Billy Ray Cyrus. And as Lil Nas X’s stardom grew, it became apparent quick to his fanbase and the world that not only was he a talented artist to keep an eye on, but Montero, the person, was a trailblazer for black, queer artists and the fanbase they represent.
Leading up to his first tour, the ‘Long Live Montero’ tour, directors Carlos Lopez Estrada and Zac Manuel were given an all-access, intimate look behind the scenes of the tour’s first show in Detroit, documenting Lil Nas X’s anxieties leading up to the tour, the musical process behind his music, and how he uses music and performance to openly express his sexuality, something that resonated with his fans, with whom he shares an incredibly unique relationship.
Using the story that Lil Nas X tells through the songs selected for this show as a narrative throughline of the documentary, Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero balances being an informative documentary that tells the story of Montero, a gay black man who wanted to find a way to express himself through an artform he loved, despite it not being the initial career path he began to pursue.
Through intimate interviews, some of which that take place while Montero is in bed, as vulnerable as someone can be, Montero opens up about his life, family, and why the persona of Lil Nas X was so important for him to get right. Montero’s honesty and willingness to tell his story in such a raw way on camera feels like something rarely seen from a star of his calibre, but as the documentary goes on, it makes complete sense that Montero has a story that deserves to be shared, and that his life severely impacts a fan base that strives to have the confidence he has in his sexuality.
A beautifully touching moment halfway through the documentary features a “confessional booth” style montage of fans at the first Lil Nas X live show, most of whom a dressed in the same flamboyant, sparkle-filled outfits that Lil Nas X flourishes in his music videos, talking about the profound impact that the music of Lil Nas X, and the story of Montero, has had on their own journeys of identity and sexuality. The genuine authenticity of this moment is a highlight of the documentary, and solidifies the fact that Lil Nas X is the real deal, and his impact sends waves of acceptance through his fan base.
Estrada and Manuel also utilise unique cinematography, including old-school digital video camera footage of rehearsal’s and backstage moments to give the documentary it’s own distinct visual flair, something that feels reminiscent of the uniqueness of Lil Nas X’s musical stylings.
And while Long Live Montero is a documentary about Lil Nas X, it’s also a dynamic concert film that explodes on to the screen, giving the feeling of being front row to the show. The large scale dance numbers, pulse-pounding bangers, and pure performance showmanship from Lil Nas X, along with some fantastic song selection to go on along with the story being told, really brings the fan experience to the living room.
For fans of Lil Nas X, Long Live Montero is a poignant and intimate love letter from the popstar to the fan base that loves his artistry and everything he stands for. And for those not entirely initiated with the Old Town Road singer, then this documentary is a fantastic entry point into Montero’s world.
Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero is available on various VOD platforms from May 22.
