Anyone expecting a laugh a minute in the new one and a half hour documentary about Lewis Capaldi are in for a shock, with the Whitburn singer opening up about his mental health issues as he struggles to deal with his newfound worldwide fame. The ‘Someone You Loved’ star is well-known and loved for his playful and sometimes downright hilarious behaviour, which has helped endear him even further to his fans, along with his heartfelt ballads.
However, in the new Netflix documentary ‘How I’m Feeling Now’, released this week, Lewis reveals all as the cameras follow him on his journey following the success of his debut album ‘Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent’, which sold more than 10 million copies, to having to write his ‘difficult’ follow-up album while back home in Whitburn with his parents during lockdown. The emotional journey that ensues will surprise fans, as the normally confident singer struggles with tics and his self belief and is later diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome.
. Mental health
The most striking thing in the Netflix documentary is how Lewis struggles to cope with his mental health issues, which are compounded by his frustration at the lack of progress on songwriting for his second album, with the worldwide Covid pandemic and lockdown only adding to the problem. Normally known for his sense of humour, it is interesting and refreshing to see how honest and open Lewis is about his struggles with his mental health, something that can hit anyone hard, even chart topping singers. Photo: Samir Hussein/ Getty
. Tics
The most uncomfortable viewing in How I'm Feeling Now is watching the West Lothian star's tics getting worse as his mental health deteriorates during the documentary. Although he tries to shrug it off, his parents, friends and management raise concerns about his health and he is later diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome, much to the relief of Lewis, who proclaims "I no longer worry that I'm going to die", and his family and friends. Photo: Valery Hache/ Getty
. Wembley Arena
His health worries come to a head during this London show, with the singer crippled by back pain and exhaustion as he struggles to continue his performance. Watching his adoring fans finish the words to his songs would bring a tear to a glass eye. His parents, watching from the stands, are quick to voice their concerns, with his dad describing it as Lewis's "worst moment". Photo: Jeff J Mitchell
9. Impostor syndrome
One of the prevailing themes during the documentary is Lewis's impostor syndrome, with the star constantly questioning his ability as a musician while he struggles to come to terms with his meteoric rise to fame after years of playing pubs and clubs in Edinburgh and Glasgow. However, his spirits are lifted by a supportive email from music legend Elton John who reassures Lewis following a conversation with Ed Sheeran who Lewis had confided in about his fears. Photo: Gareth Cattermole/ Getty
10. Friends
One of the most heartwarming takeaways from 'How I'm Feeling Now' is that despite topping the charts across the world, including in the UK and USA, the grounded star still hangs out with his friends from school, living with one of them in Glasgow and two others playing alongside him in his band. We see Lewis catching up with pals in the pub, with no airs and graces whatsoever, just a group of young lads catching up over a pint. Photo: Neil Hanna