Sometimes what people see on the outside is not what it seems to be on the inside. For Selena Gomez, her fans now have the chance to see both.
In “Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me,” which launched on AppleTV+ on Nov. 4, the superstar uncovers a personal world that is inclusive and all-encompassing in a groundbreaking documentary.
“Everything that I have gone through it’s gonna be there. I’m just making it my friend
now,” she said in a preview for the documentary, which is a career first.
In the trailer, viewers get to see a different side of Gomez. The multi-platinum recording
artist, songwriter and producer gets candid about her personal struggles with her mental
and physical health.
In the early returns, in the wake of the release, some fans showcased their excitement for the film and the topics it sheds light on.
“This documentary, I know will bring so many surprises to her fans, and how much she
had to be strong for herself and for those that care about her,” Emily Saavedra, alongtime ‘Selenator’ (the name of her fan base), said. “We’re going to see such a vulnerable side
to her. It is going to probably make a few people, or everyone shed a tear or two.”
The singer/actress initiated her career on the hit PBS TV show “Barney and Friends.” At
only seven years old, she was already working and making a name for herself.
With hits like “Lose You To Love Me”, “Same Old Love” and “Good For You”, peaking
the charts on the Billboard Hot 100, Gomez, 30, has displayed a skyrocketing career.
Her hit TV show “Only Murderers in the Building” and HBO Max’s “Selena + Chef” have
also been contributors to her success.
Although Gomez has been in the limelight for years and she’s achieved a lot, there are
more things going on behind the scenes that people don’t realize. The film seems to
show an even more raw and authentic Selena that followers can resonate with.
“It isn’t just about Selena Gomez. It’s about overcoming depression, heartbreak and
illness,” Saavedra said. “We see everyday people go through these things and everyone
has their own journey to get back on their feet. I know people will find it refreshing to
hear her side.”
In pre-release publicity materials from the American Film Institute, Gomez and Director/Producer Alek Keshishian shared a conversation about the film that was as deep as the film itself. Gomez, in fact, expressed what she hopes the audience takes away from the film.
“It’s a weird dance because I still feel like there’s so much of me that I have never given
people. So, i’m a little nervous about being this vulnerable. And I don’t think i’ll ever
release anything that will mean as much as this does,” Gomez said. “I didn’t know what
I wanted this film to be — or even that it would be a film at all — but it turned out to be a
beautiful accident. I hope it’s a story that can simply allow people to unearth things that
have been stirring in them. Great moments, great things.
“Or, moments where you felt completely confused and helpless. I wanted to create something that was a journey, of a person going through these really high highs and these really low lows but still having so much hope for humanity, wanting the world to be a beautiful place.”
On Oct 9, 2015, Gomez released her second studio album “Revival.” The following year
she began her world tour. She visited countries in North America, Asia and Australia,
however, the pop star had to cut it short to focus on her health.
Initially, Keshishian’s intention was to document Gomez on the “Revival” tour, however,
the timing was not right. Eventually, Gomez contacted him again.
“Selena reached out a few years later to ask me to document her trip to Kenya to meet
the young women at schools she helped fund,” Keshishian said. “When I began to
shoot, two days before she left for Africa, I realized this was a much bigger documentary.”
The film runs one hour and 35 minutes, giving fans insight into Gomez’s battle with lupus, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Although the film centers around sensitive topics, this is not the first time she has shown her support for mental health.
Gomez is the founder of the makeup brand “Rare Beauty.” She reflects care for mental
health through her business and makeup products. Their mission is to create a safe and
inclusive space for everyone, the brand is a pillar for mental well-being.
Along with the brand, the founder launched the Rare Impact Fund, which is used to
address mental health. One percent of the sales made from “Rare Beauty” go towards
the cause. The goal is to increase mental health services in educational environments.
Only current AppleTV+ subscribers will have access to this heart-pulling film. However,
those without subscriptions might be in luck. The streaming handle offers a seven-day
free trial for new customers. After the seven-day mark, viewers have to pay $6.99 a
month to continue watching.
The handle can be opened through the app on Apple devices, smart TV’s, consoles, and sticks.
“After this documentary, I hope she feels excited and at peace with us seeing her side of
the story,” Saavedra said. “I hope she releases new music, tours, and expands more and
more on rare beauty.”
