Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me

It’s hard to get around the slickness of the packaging. When Gomez leads the camera through tours of her childhood haunts in Grand Prairie, the narrative engineering feels too aggressive, however obvious it is that she’s happier in these spaces than in her professional ones. The true value of My Mind & Me are in those unvarnished moments when she cannot hide how she feels, and the trappings of fame start to seem like just that—a trap.

A cut above the glut of “young artist” docos - it can’t quite escape the whiff of stage managed moments of catharsis, but does avoid the sometimes off-putting gilded cage vibes of similar projects, presenting Gomez as a sincere, intelligent and perceptive personality, finding her way through some relatable millennial-era health struggles, while coping with queasy, existential angst. Manages with a mighty effort to avoid any tabloid sensationalism to present a superficial, but engaging portrait.

Does not get into here star-making role on Only Murders in the Building at all, but I guess she also makes music?

"My Mind and Me" offers a unique and honest perspective on the life of a celebrity, and Selena Gomez's dedication to mental health education and resources is truly admirable. The documentary is a reminder that even those who seem to have it all can struggle with mental health issues, and it's a call to action for more empathy and support for those who are suffering.

Far less meaningful than it thinks it is.