Music Box (TV Series) Juice WRLD: Into The Abyss (2021) User Reviews

The Rise and Fall of a Modern-Day Superstar

[kookoo36 · 7/10 · 8 January 2022]

This is a very interesting "documentary", if you could call it that. Really, it is just candid behind-the-scenes vlog footage of late rapper Juice Wrld in the months leading up to his tragic death in December 2019.

The film is barely a project. It has some interjection here and there from people close to him in the present day, and these interviews don't really sugar coat his situation, which I found to be very helpful in understanding the late rapper's life.

However, even though there isn't much to this, I enjoyed seeing the "day in the life" footage. It made me realize how these people's lives truly are on the other side of the screen. Hundreds of millions of streams, and likes, and followers, "luxury" living, but still the person in the spotlight is the exact same person they were before all of that - a troubled young man with a dangerous drug addiction, and a huge passion for music. Despite everything externally changing, nothing was really changed on the inside.

In this light, this "documentary" serves as a grave warning against the temptations of materialism and fast living. "We should buy a private jet," Juice abruptly says in the middle of a recording session, clearly stoned out of his mind and barely conscious. "Really?", someone next to him asks. "Yeah".

I also appreciated that this film didn't skip over clips of Juice abusing drugs. Knowing his eventual fate, it's very painful and nasty to watch him down 5 pills at a time, or try and fail to snort lines of percocet while already nodding off from opiates, but this was the man's life. If we're seeing the behind the scenes, we need the full, authentic story, and that's basically what we got.

Does this film make him look like a worse person? Probably, but I appreciate the authenticity, and this is probably the reason the long-teased XXXTENTACION documentary will never see the light of day. The truth hurts. R. I. P. Jarad Higgins.

Boots on the ground approach to documentary fim-making

[chrislawuk · 7/10 · 29 December 2021]

Even the guy holding the camera was popping xanax & percocet like they were going out of fashion. It is basically excerpts of personal videos taken by friends. In the way this is the best form of documentary film making, as you get a non judge mental uncensored look at the inner workings of the artist. That is the whole purpose of documentaries after all, to unveil the truth; warts and all. It might be disappointing for some, looking for deep inner meanings to events. Its just a tragic combination of too much money, fame & pressure; leading to a drug problem and s premature death. Its far from an uncommon story in film or music industry of course. He mentioned his own death frequently in life and in his music: It doesn't take a psychic to work that one out. I don't feel the issues are necessarily music industry related per se, but a much more wider societal problem. As human beings we enjoy taking drugs, but we need to learn to know our limits, and when using them becomes counter productive. Far from curing his anxiety disorder, Juice WRLD turned in to a living zombie with in the space of a few years, climaxing with his untimely end.

An honest, personal-as-it-gets look at a brilliant musician and kind, special human being.

[rcdoubletree · 9/10 · 6 May 2023]

This is a film pieced together in a unique way, by a fantastic director, mostly by using over 250 hours of Juice WRLD's own footage, posthumously, with Juice's mother's approval. It shows you the person Jarad (Juice WRLD) really was, in his own words - with zero judgment, and let's you come to your own conclusions. Personally, within 15 minutes, I loved this kid - he was so kind and genuine and honest. There are a few new interviews sprinkled in, including only those who appeared in Juice's personal footage and spent significant time with him during this period of his life, and who obviously knew him the most. It doesn't sugarcoat anything or make any excuses. This is who he was, brilliantly talented with vices and all, and it is as beautiful as it is tragic. A very different kind of documentary, and a tribute to a special person, and a life on fast-forward.

The WRLD has been taken over.

[crishockman · 10/10 · 18 December 2021]

Great film that shows how a reluctant star with god-like intelligence and fresh rhymes copes with fame. There are many moments that are cringe-worthy knowing how this legendary story unfolds. I found myself nodding my head to the beats, and shaking it at the vultures who sucked his soul dry. Surrounded by a mass of adoring fans, and his crew, he still seemed distant and isolated; great camera work capturing these emotions.

999

[ripjuice999 · 10/10 · 19 December 2021]

Loved it from start to finish. As a Juice Wrld fan it was so refreshing to see how Juice lived his life because content like that just wasn't there prior to this. This doesn't technically feel like a 'documentary' but instead a blog that evolved into a movie. It was still a wonderful journey that showcased his amazing talent and humbleness and seeing how he interacted with people made me realize how much of a truly good spirit he was. RIP JUICE WRLD.

A famous addict surrounded by enablers.

[ensidia-wow · 6/10 · 7 January 2022]

This is a hard watch: We get an inside view what was happening behind the scenes. Love or hate his music the kid was talented and made songs that are loved by millions.

The hardest part to watch were his "friends" and "girlfriend" enabeling him to continue his self-destructive ways. I have lost track og how many songs he has done that are obvious cries for help. Yet none of them took it seriously or bothered to do anything about it. The song "Wishing Well" sums up the tragic story of this young kids life.

Yeah, just crazy to see this many enablers mooching of an addict until his last day and well past it too.

JUICE WRLD

[rkbblogger · 10/10 · 19 December 2021]

Bless him, even if you weren't a fan please watch this his music means so much to a lot of people just spread the message he was trying to get around and let people carry on a legacy that will live on forever 999.

No review

[mikeyzmpz-82588 · 19 December 2021]

I stopped watching this. It's tragic enabling. I'm not sure what the purpose of this film is. In fairness, I was only 38 minutes in. There is no redeeming quality that I saw being formed. I'll leave it at that. This might interest many, as a documentary fan, not for me.

From a Juice WRLD Fan

[cgcgames · 7/10 · 21 May 2022]

I think the documentary was really good in a lot of moments. I think it really showed some of the world he lived in, in a unique way. I definitely think it showed that not all people heavy into drugs need to be homeless or living in bad places, but more it could be anyone. And especially as a fan of his music I very heavily am glad they used the documentary to share the damage that drugs can do.

My only problem with the documentary was this. You do have to have a decent knowledge about juice WRLDs music and group he makes music with. Although I think you could watch this documentary and get the jist of it I do not think it would be as enjoyable if you went in with very little knowledge. Another thing I wish could've been shown more was what the work life of a musician was like and how he dealt with it (as he did make his music in a lot of different unique ways). But at the same time understand they were going for a documentary about his drug use and his rise to fame.

Overall I think it was good as a juice fan and will probably find myself returning to to watch fairly soon. I think that it is a movie that you need to know certain things before you watch. You also need to be cautious in knowing how heavily this documentary portrays drugs, which was a very apid part of his daily life.

Rollercoaster

[jackdbradford · 10/10 · 17 December 2021]

This doc goes in depth into the behind the scenes of the late rapper "Juice WRLD"

It shows all aspects of his life from music to the drug use often a heavy theme in his music. Shows a lot of moments right up until he dies and can be quite distressing to fans of the late artist.

He Wanted to Die

[nrgigaba · 6/10 · 10 February 2022]

I've never heard a Juice WRLD song or seen one of his music videos, but I'm familiar with the young man because he was a superstar with a large following, particularly among young people.

The first hour and twenty-five minutes. Into the Abyss by Juice WRLD is a compilation of videos shot by his official videographer, Instagram lives, and phone videos. I believe they could have had the interviews from the beginning, perhaps with his producers talking about the making of songs, traveling, and watching him grow, but this part dragged and was boring. They have his close friends and family talking about him after 1 hour and 25 minutes, which livens up the documentary.

The first part of the documentary could have been dedicated to the fans as well, but overall, it was informative.

Very sad and true

[naxtman · 10/10 · 24 December 2021]

Addiction will forever be in today's society. This shows a amazing rapper named juice WRLD go through struggles behind the scenes and shows the dark side of drugs and fighting demons.

Sad

[thazritesucka · 5/10 · 6 January 2022]

Huge Juice fan and found some insight in this to say he was quite a drug addict wasn't he. Some parts were uncomfortable when you consider how many kids will watch this.

Apart from that, there's not much here, a lot of the value comes in the last 20 minutes interviewing people in his life.

I guess it's always going to be hard to release something with a proper narative posthumously when that was never the intention initially.

Worth a watch if you're a fan, otherwise wouldn't bother.

Wow

[csbeacher · 9/10 · 24 December 2021]

Honestly to me this was very very compelling. They talked a lot about his music and influence, but the most interesting part is him dealing with his demons... so sad honestly. But I can say this doc def made me more of a fan.

OMFG

[enesustabas · 10/10 · 23 December 2021]

If u a fan, you should watch this. It was pure joy for me... and i'm sayin again, imma fan, so don't mind the 10 point. Love u all guys 999 forever <3.

999

[aleksplayzzz · 10/10 · 27 December 2021]

A really sad documentary, but makes you really understand his life and impact. If ur a juice wrld fan or have heard any of his music, u should consider watching it. I really had to take a breath after watching it, u really get lost in ur mind just remembering all the memories with juice.

Long live Juice WRLD.

[milesrob-172601 · 10/10 · 8 June 2022]

Juice was quite a drug addict which i found shocking He didn't deserve to end his young life early so sad. Glad i watched this

Cuz Life is short may Never know what happens.

RIP and Long live Juice WRLD aka Jarad 999 Higgins.

I Have These Lucid Dreams

[Ms_Carter · 10/10 · 9 September 2023]

Shocking brutally honest look at Juice WRLD Jarad Anthony Higgins 12/2/ 1998-12/8/2019 Watching this is quite a experience This documentary video log is shot pretty much in real time It's one thing to hear stories about Juice WRLD's freestyles and how he could come up with lyrics off the top of his head Go into a studio record several songs at one time But it's another thing to actually watch it happen in real time The man was truly genius At times I was shocked In particular when he was doing drugs in front of his camera man While at the same time feeling awed and touched by how much he cared about the people around him I have a feeling this documentary will stay with me for a very long time.

Don't Do This at Home, Kiddies

[caramia2002 · 5/10 · 18 December 2021]

This is not a true documentary on Jarad Higgins' life. It's a lot of cinema verite (just camera) shot on stage and in between. You do get an idea of his fame from it, and the song sales listed after every song. But I wanted to know what made him tick, why was he such an addict? Why was he on the road to it, you know, other than he was, like so many, given speed as a kid, for ADHD. With, seemingly a vlog rolling at all times, surely more answers were in there or someone could have asked or not treated these situations as normal. Speak UP, kids.

Hard to watch. Just like the documentary, Amy, about Amy Winehouse, but not near as good, just sad to watch her 'people' suck as much money out of her as they can on the way to her death. Due to the money and fame, no one stops the fatal plunge. I have seen this from inside the biz more than once and it's got to stop; label execs have got to take accountability, managers have to, promoters, assistants, friends, family have to. Oh, but the money! Don't stop the great money train and your access to fame!

Higgins is obviously, more obviously than most, messed up on drugs from the start of this journey. And no one says a word, even the camera guy takes the offered pain pills, even as Higgins is on the heavy nod while snorting more (he was on that road long before the fatal flight). Sounds like his g/f, Ally, tried to give him limits, but she often looked just as messed up, and the crew supplied him behind her back (but she's still giving him an "allowance").

Then someone smuggles 70lbs of weed on the plane, internationally? That's heavy trafficking and all the entourage are so stoned that one guy says, "Oh, he's rich, we'd all get out quick." That's serious smuggling weight, so WTF? Plus, I just read where he was already under suspicion for a previous flight. So you reach amazing success, then somebody thinks this is a good idea to help things along?? Hey, let's make 100th of what you just made last week, and smuggle a lot of dope, while the Feds are watching, that could land us in jail forever!

I am old so yeah, I don't get it (but, I was in the music biz, with drugs, and young once). But why, if he wanted to help his fans and kids reach their potential, is he singing SO MUCH about drugs, taking drugs, which drugs, dying, guns, crime, misogyny? It's just rap subjects per normal. The music will live much longer than he did, and influence longer, alas. Money, money, money. Be a star, get money. Do drugs, do more drugs, get money, hate and use women. I get the rap fads, emo, and all that, but how can you couch that stuff as "helping people"? Some fans will relate to that kind of life, but really, anymore? 'Cause most people don't have all those things, so rap is no longer protest music that speaks to conditions in the community and why it talks about drugs, guns, gangs. It's just silly bragging about all you have now that you've made it. Just normalizing nonsense and trying to be 'legit', have 'creds'. Riiight.. There are always masses of drugs around fame and money. Bad people come around. We thought cocaine was cool and harmless, but that was 50yrs ago. Those naive days are over, we KNOW what hard drugs do, so no excuse. But I get that he was self-medicating, and was on drugs, by a doctor, when young, and perhaps he grew up around the culture of lean (the film doesn't talk about his youth, in any way).

So a barely 21yr old young man dies for nothing, at the height of his success. Then gets a doc which shows him continually way messed up, shows cringeworthy performing in the studio, due to same. "Oh, it's fire!". Yeah, until it isn't. This film fails on every level to address even the slightest issue. I hope all involved realize their part in this tragic death of a talented young man. I see nothing fire about a completely, hopelessly wasted and addicted musician creating (being too high to play guitar is the pinnacle of the cringe). Again, there isn't enough in the film to address the why of what got him there.

Ultimately it was up to Higgins, but someone was supplying all those bottles of lean and the percs, with seeming prescriptions on them, right? Like, true chronic pain patients or sick people can't even get that stuff anymore, and the DEA is always watching. Maybe Higgins did some of his own dr scamming and/or buying from dealers, but come on, he had people to do everything. I understand being young and partying with cool people in the biz, but at some point, you either face the music or end up like this, or one of the numbers in the terrible opiate crisis we are facing more than ever. We didn't have scientific info and statistics on drugs like there are now, just rumor and govvy propaganda. But now you know, if you want to. And you know what to do, or just google it, dang.

Higgins had lots of answers, like being open about mental health and how hard talking about it is in his community (hey, back in the day, it was unheard of to talk about it, period, in any community, and so it continues), but having that money and access, did he ever do anything about his own mental health other than mere talk and swallowing opiates, etc? We don't know, but this doc seems to say "no". He preached about achieving your dreams, but to school kids, just said, "I did the thing that came easiest to me." As if every kid has that kind of talent just sitting around, or should reach for the least difficult path. Yes, you should go for your dreams, but we aren't all Jay-Z. Some of us have to pound the nails and stuff, you know? But we can still reach for the best of ourselves and go for a full and successful life. And I hope that's what Higgins' message becomes, rather than all the usual platitudes of "great humanitarian", "wonderful human being", "inspirational". The truth is, like Kurt Cobain, and the others of the 27, now much earlier, Club, most were end stage addicts or alcoholics and not able to give much useful advice to anyone. You can love their music, and I do, but don't conflate it with how they lived their lives.

Heck, more than enough people of color are being killed on the streets. Why are we adding to that by the slow death by addiction? You can't rise up and fix what's wrong by being high all the time and ignoring the problem. There are a lot of evil people who are counting on that. Counting on people of color doing themselves in for them. Don't fall for it, make a change. This film certainly doesn't add to that dialog, or the positive stuff that can come out, and in that, completely fails Jarad Higgins' legacy, which a sad, sad thing indeed, as it seems like it was made just for the streaming money and to sell his catalogue.

Codeine and Percocets

[gval-28450 · 2/10 · 20 December 2021]

Idk about y'all but I had a strong feeling that the filmmakers were promoting and maybe urging Juice to do more and more drugs. It felt like every single scene other than when he goes to visit the kids, he is so high that he can barely open his eyes.

I'm not blaming Juice he clearly was an addict however the filmmakers should have known better. Now Juice Wrld is dead and HBO is promoting codeine and Percocet consumption.

A Difficult Watch

[d_welland · 5/10 · 13 January 2022]

I liked Juice Wrld and his music. This documentary added a completely different perspective to me. I don't think there was a single scene where he wasn't on drugs with so many enablers around him and not one person looking out for him. It was sad to watch someone slowly kill themselves on screen. Having watched it I just don't get the viewpoint that he was such a good lyricist. Once you strip out the production and auto tune his voice and flow is actually quite poor and this documentary exposes this.

Still don't know much about Juice Wrld

[shampoooop-805-686778 · 2/10 · 4 January 2022]

While I found the home videos personal, and some moments compelling, after nearly two hours, I don't feel like I know much about Juice Wrld besides his music, his fame and his addiction.

It is raw to see him doing his thing in the studio, hotel room drug use, private jet game life with more drug use, performances... I have no idea where he came from, how his childhood, upbringing and education brought him to place of fame, addiction and depression we find him in (besides his very interesting take on being diagnosed as ADHD in 5th grade).

I see the vision of having the artist tell his own story, but so much is missing and so much is repetitive. For example, through lyrics and conversation, Juice Wrld (no idea where the name came from - another interesting piece of information unexplained) describes himself a junkie. This is interesting and important, but we see it often, and his drugs use, and him being blatantly out of his mind seemingly all the time.

Meanwhile, there's a bit about his father's passing with no explanation of how his father died, why he decided to still do a show that night or what their relationship was like.

The interviews at the end, inclusive of only who we saw in the home footage, could have been used throughout to tell his story. Unfortunately, they were only used to describe his death and paint their pictures of his legacy.

I learned so much more about Woodstock 99 and Alanis Morrisette in this Music Box series than DMX and Juice Wrld, despite my opinion that the two rappers most certainly have more compelling stories than Woodstock 99.

Big juice wrld fan!

[ssfpzjt · 5/10 · 28 May 2023]

I love wrld! His music connects with me. Though I wanted more from this doc. I feel like it didn't explain much about him. It definitely shows his drug addiction and the passion he has for making music. How talented he was. I would have liked to learn more about him. Understand more of his motivations and life. Honestly I was very disappointed. I went into watching this documentary hoping to learn more about my favorite artists of all time. Also if you don't know anything about juice then this documentary will be kinda confusing. It's mainly just random videos of him then his friends/crew talking about his death at the end.. I hoped better for such a talented artist who really impacted a lot of people.