You don’t have to be a Billie Eilish fan for the film Billie Eilish- Hit Me Hard and Soft to land. Co-directed by Eilish and James Cameron, the 3D concert film documents Eilish’s 2025 tour performance in Manchester, England. It immediately engages viewers in the technical and artistic experience of putting together this show. As it should, this concert film brings the experience of a live performance to the screen in a way that’s fully immersive in the music and Eilish’s performance style. Eilish periodically uses a hand-cam to film herself (notably during the song “Bad Guy”) and to film the rapt concert audiences. Cameron’s 3D camera systems broaden the experience, capturing perspectives from the partially sunken band staging, feeling like you’re there in an arena seat, and close-ups that live concert goers couldn’t even get.
Between songs in the set list, the film shows Eilish in the hours before taking the stage- in vocal training, treating an injury, being interviewed by Cameron, which there isn’t all that much of. If anything, the rapport between Eilish and her fans is as central to the film as her music. The audience is often as high-def as Eilish, excitement and tears readable, voices clear and atmospheric, as Eilish encourages singing along. They’re featured in interviews outside the stadium, revealing the deep emotional connections so many of her fans have to Eilish and her music. Alongside her expressive performance style, moody songs, and preshow footage, there is no shortage of emotion and drama in the film. There’s very little obstructing Eilish on stage and the audience during her performances in Hit Me Hard and Soft.
The light box set pieces move up and down over the stage, leaving room for Eilish to run to and face her fans on all sides. And between them is a seemingly mutual passion for her songs that’s enjoyable to witness. In theaters May 8th, I rate it a (3/4) 🍿
Billie Eilish Red Carpet Interview:
