Netflix Documentary Explores Matthew Perry's Life

A new three-part documentary titled The One About Matthew Perry premiered on Netflix this week. The film examines the life and death of the Friends star, who passed away in October 2023 at the age of 54. Perry died from a combination of ketamine and drowning. Director Mary Robinson, who previously worked on Quiet on the Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV, led the production.

The documentary follows a chronological structure to avoid common Hollywood tropes about fame and addiction. Robinson uses emotional interviews with family members and longtime friends to tell the story. The film also incorporates Perry’s own words from media appearances and his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. The source notes that major celebrities are largely absent from the interviews.

Instead of relying on famous peers, the film features behind-the-scenes anecdotes and candid memories. These segments portray Perry’s ambition, charm, and humor, as well as the pain he sometimes inflicted on those close to him. The narrative highlights that Perry spent more than 25 years managing his addiction while continuing to act, write, and pursue relationships.

Mia Perry Bowick, Perry’s sister and a psychotherapist, provides key insights in the documentary. She discusses her brother’s highs and lows in the context of early family dynamics. Her perspective embraces both grief and ambivalence regarding his life and death. The film notes that a group of enablers involved in his death are currently serving time.

The documentary presents addiction as an illness rather than a simple moral failing. It shows how Perry used his wealth to support others in recovery. He also used his public platform to advocate for a wider understanding of the disease. The film argues that his greatest contribution was his willingness to be vulnerable, even when it exposed an unflattering image.

The project resists the binary narrative where the only outcomes are a happy recovery or an early death. Robinson captures the complexity of Perry’s struggle without hiding his difficulties. The absence of celebrity platitudes allows for a more intimate look at the man offscreen. The film serves as a continuation of the honesty Perry established in his memoir.

The documentary is now available for viewing on the streaming platform. It offers a detailed account of the actor’s final years and his long battle with substance use. The interviews provide a personal view of his relationships and professional drive. The film stands as a record of his life beyond the character of Chandler Bing.