Avicii – I’m Tim: The Story of Avicii Told in His Own Words on Netflix

This documentary, directed by Henrik Burman and produced by Björn Tjärnberg, promises not only to recount the rise of a musical prodigy but to delve deep into the unseen chapters of his life. Accompanying the film will be a special release of Avicii – My Last Show, featuring the DJ’s final live performance at Ushuaïa Ibiza, an emotional moment that marked the end of an era.

Avicii’s journey from a quiet, introspective boy in Stockholm to an international EDM superstar is nothing short of remarkable. Born in 1989, Tim Bergling discovered his passion for music at an early age, crafting beats on his computer that would later revolutionize the global electronic scene. The Netflix documentary aims to peel back the layers of Avicii’s life, giving fans unprecedented access to home movies, personal footage, and exclusive interviews. What sets this film apart from previous narratives is its unique perspective: Tim himself serves as the narrator, sharing reflections in his own words, drawn from archival recordings before his untimely passing in 2018.

This raw, first-person storytelling style promises to bring audiences closer to understanding Tim’s experiences, thoughts, and struggles. Burman’s film goes beyond the accolades and packed stadiums, capturing the man behind the moniker. “Through himself and everyone close to him—family, artist colleagues, and best friends—we get to know Tim—the boy behind Avicii—for the first time,” reads the film’s synopsis. This promises to be a poignant exploration of Tim’s dual existence: as an admired global icon and as an individual facing the intense pressures of fame and personal challenges.

Avicii’s impact on music was profound. His unique fusion of electronic dance music with elements of folk and soul reshaped the EDM landscape and captivated a worldwide audience. His breakthrough single Levels (2011) became a defining track of the decade, catapulting him to international stardom and laying the foundation for subsequent hits like Wake Me Up and Hey Brother. The latter tracks, featuring the resonant vocals of Aloe Blacc and the integration of acoustic instruments, highlighted Avicii’s ability to blend heartfelt storytelling with infectious beats.

Collaborations with artists like Chris Martin of Coldplay (A Sky Full of Stars) and Nile Rodgers (Lay Me Down) showcased his versatility and willingness to push creative boundaries. The upcoming documentary will feature these renowned collaborators alongside Avicii’s former manager, Ash Pournouri, providing behind-the-scenes insights into Tim’s relentless pursuit of musical perfection.

In addition to the documentary, Netflix will release Avicii – My Last Show, a concert film capturing Avicii’s final performance at Ushuaïa Ibiza in August 2016. This event marked a significant and bittersweet chapter in his career. After years of relentless touring and facing the toll it took on his mental and physical health, Tim made the difficult decision to step away from live performances at just 26 years old. The Ushuaïa show encapsulated the essence of Avicii’s live sets—joyful, electrifying, and deeply emotional—while hinting at the complex emotions he carried.

“I needed to make the change that I’d been struggling with for a while,” Tim wrote in a heartfelt message on his website in March 2016. Despite stepping back from the stage, he continued to work on music, striving to capture the melodies that had made him a household name. Tragically, on April 20, 2018, Tim Bergling passed away in Muscat, Oman, at the age of 28, leaving a void in the world of music and a wake of questions about the pressures that accompany fame.

Avicii’s story isn’t just about the music; it’s a cautionary tale about the cost of relentless pursuit in the spotlight and a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health. The documentary is not the first attempt to tell this story—Avicii: True Stories (2017) had already painted an early picture of the toll fame took on him—but I’m Tim promises a deeper and more personal touch. It aligns with other recent efforts to keep his legacy alive, such as the 2022 biography Tim by Måns Mosesson and a photobook, Avicii: The Life and Music of Tim Bergling, which captures his journey through images.

Additionally, the Tim Bergling Foundation, established by his family, has raised significant funds for mental health awareness, continuing the work Tim might have wanted for others facing similar challenges. Most notably, a charity auction of his personal belongings raised nearly $750,000, channeled into supporting mental health initiatives.

As 2024 closes, Avicii – I’m Tim stands as a tribute not just to a star who gave the world unforgettable music, but to a young man whose creativity and struggles resonated far beyond the dance floor. For fans and new listeners alike, this documentary will be a chance to reconnect with Avicii’s genius and his humanity. It serves as a powerful reminder that behind the beats and the spotlight was Tim Bergling—a pioneer, a son, a friend, and a man who lived his passion to the fullest, even when it came at great personal cost.

Mark your calendars for December 31 and get ready to witness a heartfelt exploration of a legacy that continues to inspire.