Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Docu shows perils of fame; language, drugs, and suicide.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Avicii – I’m Tim
What's the Story?
Tim Bergling, subject of the documentary AVICII – I'M TIM, was born in Stockholm and spent most of his childhood in a 5-block radius. That is, until his hobby making and sharing music from his computer brought him to the attention of aspiring producer/promotor Ash Pournouri. Ash promised Tim he'd make him famous within the year, and the pledge came true. Using the stage name Avicii, Tim shot to fame as a DJ playing some of the world's biggest music festivals. He ventured into writing his own music and producing for others, working with some of the biggest artists around. At the time of his death, he was at the top of his game. This documentary pulls from private footage of Tim's life, interviews, and commentary from those who knew and/or worked with him.
Is It Any Good?
You don't have to know who Avicii was or even like his music to appreciate this documentary, which thoroughly conveys the artist's significance and talent. Avicii – I'm Tim also paints a portrait of a kind and much loved person. What it leaves out are a few of the more difficult details about the artist's life and death. The film is built out of hundreds of hours of footage of Tim's life, literally from birth on and much of it private, so it's likely this cut had the blessing of his family and closest friends.
Some viewers may have to fill in some holes in the story after the movie ended. Then again, that's evidence of the interest the film generates in its subject. Not only do we see (and hear) about his life story and extraordinary natural talent, but both are reinforced by additional interviews with family and friends, as well as with a string of well-known musical artists. Tim's story offers a cautionary tale about fame. It also illustrates how great music comes together, and how the music industry works. Avicii said he wanted to make "timeless music," and this film shows how he did just that.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about EDM as a genre. How would you describe this music and Avicii's songs played in the documentary?
Why do you think attendees reacted so negatively to the live introduction of "Hey Brother"?
One interviewee suggests Tim struggled with not being considered a true musician since he didn't play an instrument. What do you think about that?
The film ends with a resource for those struggling with mental health issues, wannatalkaboutit.com. Tim's parents also started a foundation with the same end goal. Why are such organizations important? Where can you go for more information?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 31, 2024
- Cast : Tim Bergling
- Director : Henrik Burman
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Friendship , History , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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