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20th Dec 2021

One of the best documentaries of the decade is finally available to stream at home

Hugh Carr

The film holds a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

There is nothing better to watch at Christmas than a good concert.

Now more than ever, live music is a great escape from day to day life, and a chance to see artists at their best put on a great show.

That’s why it’s so exciting that one of the best concert films ever has made its way to Irish streaming services.

First released in 2020, David Byrne’s American Utopia is an audiovisual delight for the senses.

Chances are you may have seen a version of this performance back in 2018.

Byrne is no stranger to creating incredible concert films, with Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense often being cited as one of the greatest performances of all time.

This show, however, is based off the album of the same name, although there are a few classics from Byrne’s back catalogue as well.

There is no set; the band are in matching grey suits, and the instruments are all entirely portable.

Despite its barebones appearance, the show is full of life and celebration.

This liveliness is created by choreography from Annie B. Parsons and directing from Spike Lee (BlacKkKlansman, Do The Right Thing!)

The concert in full is available on NOW, where it will be streaming until Monday, 17 January.

The film currently holds a whopping 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the highest rated concerts of all time.

Here’s just a sample of some of the reviews;

“One of the most transcendent experiences to be found on any size of screen this year.” – In Review Online

“I dare you not to dance while watching it.” – Vox

“American Utopia is just the kind of healing, inspiring balm that the audience needs right now. It arrives like an unexpected answer to an unspoken prayer.” – Washington Post

David Byrne’s American Utopia is currently available on NOW.