In ‘Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry’ Clip, Singer-Songwriter Reveals Event That Led To “Most Depressing Year”

By Matthew Carey
Deadline
June 24, 2021

The Emmy-contending documentary Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry creates a remarkably intimate portrait of the young recording artist, following her on tour, at home, revisiting dark moments in her life, negotiating fame and the ups and downs of romantic love.

“We see her, the way she turns her personal struggles into art and the power of that and the power of that to connect with others. We see the full picture,” director R.J. Cutler tells Deadline. “We see her carry the burden and opportunity of who she is… We see how it can be challenging. And we see her learning, and we see those who love her learning as well.”

Eilish appears exceptionally self-aware for a 19-year-old—not in a cagey or coy way—but as an introspective person who is prepared to do the challenging work of self-examination. Her music, which she writes with her brother Finneas O’Connell, reflects Eilish’s experience—the song “Wish You Were Gay” was inspired by heartache and frustration with a boyfriend who ultimately didn’t reciprocate her ardor. But it’s not an exercise in self-absorption or self-pity–young fans seem to take from it ways they can process similar experiences and come out sturdier for it.

In the exclusive clip above from the Apple TV+ documentary, Eilish reflects on something that occurred earlier in her life that cut off one avenue of artistic expression. She notes, “Everything I’ve ever loved I’ve had to quit.”

The clip begins with her father, Patrick O’Connell, applying ice to her ankles after Eilish injured herself doing an exuberant stomping dance while on tour.