---
title: "Moonage Daydream"
year: 2022
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/moonage-daydream"
fi1m_id: "moonage-daydream"
imdb_id: "tt9883832"
tmdb_id: 957457
wikidata_id: "Q112454289"
fi1m_score: 78
critics_score: 75
critics_reviews: 28
published: "2026-10-03T02:54:10.484676+00:00"
updated: "2026-10-03T02:54:27.351292+00:00"
region: "PH"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Moonage Daydream (2022)

Directed by Brett Morgen · 2h 15m · Documentary, Music

## Identity

Moonage Daydream

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/moonage-daydream
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** moonage-daydream
- **IMDb ID:** tt9883832
- **TMDB ID:** 957457
- **Wikidata ID:** Q112454289
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9883832/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/957457, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q112454289

**Fi1m score: 78** · Critics 75 from 28 reviews

*In a sentence:* David Bowie holds our attention; the editing keeps worrying that he might not

> Brett Morgen’s archive portrait of David Bowie is worth seeing for the concert footage and the force of its sound. The restless editing can be exhilarating, though the reverence and 135-minute running time require some patience.

## Synopsis

*Moonage Daydream* opens with archive footage of David Bowie performing as Ziggy Stardust, then draws on interviews and music to explore his changing artistic identity. Russell Harty and Dick Cavett also appear as themselves in the archive material. Director and editor Brett Morgen assembles performances, recorded speech and psychedelic imagery, following associations rather than setting out a straightforward chronology. David Bowie’s own interview recordings supply the commentary as the film moves between his public performances and his reflections on making art. His appetite for reinvention provides the thread through material drawn from different stages of his working life.

## Review

*Moonage Daydream* is a good music documentary with a persistent temptation to make every minute overwhelming. Director Brett Morgen uses David Bowie’s archive appearances, recorded interviews and music to follow an artist repeatedly changing his public self. The performances make that worth doing; the more insistent visual flourishes sometimes make it harder to watch. We recommend it for the music and the pleasure of watching him work, with some patience required for the effort spent making everything look momentous.

The opening concert footage is the clearest demonstration of what the film can do. We felt a rush of excitement watching David Bowie perform as Ziggy Stardust, and the force of the recorded sound was a large part of it. His stage presence gives the footage a directness that survives all the material assembled around it. The remastered performances deserve the attention they receive here, because they let us judge his command of an audience rather than take somebody else’s admiration on trust.

Brett Morgen’s editing makes a sensible connection between the changing performances and the restless movement of the film itself. Concert footage, interviews and psychedelic imagery are arranged by association, asking us to notice correspondences without having every change explained. At its most engaging, this approach makes an interview excerpt feel like part of the music rather than a pause to supply information. It also puts considerable faith in our willingness to follow, especially when a little context would help more than another burst of imagery.

The music, credited to David Bowie, is served particularly well by the forceful sound. Performances of [*Heroes*](https://film.one/tv/heroes) and *Cracked Actor* have enough presence to justify giving this film an evening rather than putting on a record. The trouble comes when the images compete with that pleasure, demanding fresh attention before we have had time to absorb what we are hearing. Brett Morgen can seem anxious that simply listening might not be enough.

Recorded interviews supply David Bowie’s own commentary, and hearing him consider his work is one of the film’s pleasures. Brett Morgen’s writing and assembly favour the artist’s appetite for change, however, while less flattering questions remain largely outside the portrait. The pleasure of spending time with a gifted performer is a perfectly reasonable starting point, but the admiration grows repetitive when there is so little resistance to his account. A documentary built so heavily around its subject’s words needs more curiosity about what those words leave out.

At 135 minutes, the repeated bursts of image and music also begin to cost the film some of its force. There is so much encouragement to be excited that the quieter business of listening to a person think has to compete for attention. The editing remains busy after the reason for its busyness is clear, and several passages could have been shorter without losing anything essential. Fewer visual interruptions would have helped us attend to both the performances and the interviews.

Against the familiar music-documentary habit of having other people explain why the songs matter, this approach has considerable appeal. We get enough of David Bowie in performance to understand the attraction without instruction, even if Brett Morgen seldom leaves it at that. Anyone seeking a clear account of the people and circumstances around him will need more than this film provides. Choose it when the music is the reason for the evening, and conversation can wait.

*Fi1m score 78, published 3 October 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics welcome Moonage Daydream as an immersive, unconventional portrait of Bowie, with praise concentrated on its archival footage, editing and sound. The remastered concert performances draw particular enthusiasm, giving the music a force that even some detractors acknowledge. Admirers find that Morgen’s restless montage captures Bowie’s appetite for reinvention, while his own interviews let him guide the portrait. For these critics, the departure from a conventional biography is central to its appeal.

The spread is wide, however, and the same sensory approach strikes others as exhausting or short on insight. Reservations extend beyond the negative reviews: sympathetic critics also note missing context, omissions and an overly reverent treatment of Bowie. The Hollywood Reporter finds the film shapeless and distancing despite admiring the performances. The New Yorker objects more fundamentally, arguing that the visual bombardment produces an inert, sanctified portrait that misses much of Bowie’s wit and collaborative spirit.

## Straight answers

**Is Moonage Daydream worth watching?**

*Moonage Daydream* is worth watching for David Bowie’s concert performances and the force of its sound; we score it 78 out of 100. We recommend it when music is the reason for the evening, rather than a straightforward biography. The restless editing, uncritical admiration and 135-minute running time require patience.

**How long is Moonage Daydream, and what is it rated?**

*Moonage Daydream* runs 2h 15m. It is a documentary and music film.

**Where can I watch Moonage Daydream in the Philippines?**

*Moonage Daydream* is available to rent from Apple TV from ₱149.00. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How violent or frightening is Moonage Daydream, and is it suitable for children?**

*Moonage Daydream* has a UK 15 certificate, so we do not recommend it for children under 15. Its forceful sound, psychedelic imagery and restless editing can feel overwhelming; for older teenagers, those are useful considerations, though they do not establish how much violence or frightening material it contains.

**How does Moonage Daydream compare to Koyaanisqatsi?**

*Moonage Daydream* is our choice for Bowie’s performances, while [*Koyaanisqatsi*](https://film.one/film/koyaanisqatsi) better suits an evening of music and montage without biographical explanation. We find Bowie compelling despite the overbusy editing; *Koyaanisqatsi* sustains pleasure and unease through Ron Fricke’s photography and Philip Glass’s music, though its ecological case is thin.

**What should I watch after Moonage Daydream?**

After *Moonage Daydream*, try [*Koyaanisqatsi*](https://film.one/film/koyaanisqatsi) (1982, Fi1m 82): For music and montage allowed to carry a film without biographical explanation. Then [*Pina*](https://film.one/film/pina) (2011, Fi1m 80): Another portrait of an artist that makes room for the work itself.

### Reviews we read (28)

- **Time Out**, Phil de Semlyen (5/5): The review presents the documentary as almost as extraordinary as Bowie himself. It singles out the film’s cosmic, spectacular, music-filled approach for praise. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/moonage-daydream-2022)
- **Empire**, Lou Thomas (90/100, inferred): Thomas calls it a definitive, essential portrait of Bowie and a triumph despite a few omissions. He especially praises the inventive visual presentation and the film’s use of rare performance footage and Bowie’s music. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/moonage-daydream/)
- **The Guardian**, Mark Kermode (90/100, inferred): Kermode finds the film a dazzling, loving tribute that captures some of Bowie’s adventurous spirit, though it cannot be definitive. He praises its kaleidoscopic archival collage and the profound affection running through it. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/sep/18/moonage-daydream-review-david-bowie-documentary-brett-morgen)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Carlos Aguilar (85/100, inferred): Aguilar considers the documentary a worthy tribute that lets Bowie’s own words and art shape its portrait. He praises Morgen’s sensorial blend of psychedelic imagery, concert footage and music for capturing Bowie’s spirit. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2022-09-15/review-david-bowie-own-sound-and-vision-propel-psychedelic-moonage-daydream)
- **Variety**, Owen Gleiberman (Critics Pick): Gleiberman praises the film as a vivid, unconventional meditation that brings viewers closer to Bowie’s enigmatic identity. He particularly singles out the concert footage and powerful sound, while wishing the film had given more attention to Nile Rodgers and “Station to Station.” [Read](https://variety.com/2022/film/reviews/moonage-daydream-review-brett-morgen-david-bowie-1235277125/)
- **IndieWire**, Siddhant Adlakha (B+): The critic finds the documentary an ambitious, immersive portrait that captures Bowie’s influence and humanity. The film’s archival imagery and loud, concert-like sound are praised, though its authorized perspective avoids controversy. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/moonage-daydream-review-david-bowie-documentary-1234727860/)
- **The AV Club**, Jordan Hoffman (B+): Hoffman praises the film as an ambitious, immersive alternative to a conventional Bowie documentary, though its associative montage can leave viewers wanting more context. He singles out Morgen’s sure-handed editing and the film’s ability to make Bowie’s restless reinvention feel like a cinematic experience. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/moonage-daydream-review-david-bowie-brett-morgen-1849357392)
- **Radio Times**, Terry Staunton (4/5): Staunton finds the documentary engrossing, presenting Bowie as a driven and constantly inventive artist. He praises the film’s dizzying mosaic of footage and archive recordings, with Bowie’s own interviews serving as narration. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-b8mw8z/moonage-daydream/)
- **Total Film**, Jordan Farley (4/5): Farley finds the documentary an electrifying, thrillingly unique take on Bowie, though its unconventional approach may not work for everyone. He particularly praises the remastered performance footage and surround-sound mix for making the music feel newly vivid. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/moonage-daydream-review-cannes-2022/)
- **Little White Lies**, Ed Gibbs (75/100, inferred): The critic finds the film an immersive, fitting tribute that keeps Bowie’s legacy feeling current. The sonic and visual presentation is singled out for praise, though the critic notes omissions and a preference for better-known songs. [Read](https://lwlies.com/festivals/moonage-daydream-first-look-review)
- **Sight and Sound**, BFI (75/100, inferred): The review finds Morgen’s maximalist portrait compelling, though its cosmic, existential framing initially seems difficult to sustain. It praises the abundance of archival material and Bowie’s candid interview appearances, especially the vivid remastered live performances. [Read](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/moonage-daydream-trips-david-bowies-sound-light-fantastic)
- **Slant Magazine**, Kenji Fujishima (3/4): Fujishima finds the documentary a vivid, often compelling tribute, though its hero worship leaves important complexity out. He praises its rare archival material and restless editing for conveying Bowie’s constant reinvention. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/moonage-daydream-review-david-bowie-brett-morgen/)
- **RogerEbert.com** (65/100, inferred): The accessible page provides no critical verdict on the film. It offers no readable praise or complaint to identify. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/festivals/cannes-2022-elvis-jerry-lee-lewis-trouble-in-mind-moonage-daydream)
- **Screen Daily**, Fionnuala Halligan (65/100, inferred): The standfirst frames the documentary as a dizzying sensory voyage, but the critic’s full verdict is unavailable. It singles out Morgen’s journey through Bowie’s estate as the film’s defining feature. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/moonage-daydream-cannes-review/5170416.article)
- **The New York Times** (65/100, inferred): The page content is blocked, so the critic’s verdict cannot be established. No praise or complaint can be reliably identified from the available text. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/15/movies/moonage-daydream-review-david-bowie.html)
- **Evening Standard**, Charlotte O'Sullivan (2/5): O'Sullivan finds the film tedious overall, arguing that its endless, controlled interview excerpts make Bowie seem boring. She praises the opening concert footage for its energy and intoxicating portrait of Ziggy Stardust. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/moonage-daydream-movie-review-david-bowie-this-trip-lacks-zip-b1025686.html)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, David Rooney (25/100, inferred): Rooney finds the film distancing, shapeless, and short on insight, ultimately more enervating than enlightening. He praises the concert footage, especially the performances from Bowie’s Berlin years. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/moonage-daydream-brett-morgen-david-bowie-doc-1235150193/)
- **The New Yorker**, Hilton Als (25/100, inferred): Als argues that the documentary is visually bombastic but strangely inert, offering a limited and overly sanctified portrait of Bowie. He praises Bowie’s collaborative spirit, wit, and musical evolution, which he says the film largely fails to capture. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/09/19/a-portrait-of-david-bowie-as-an-alienated-artist-moonage-daydream)
- **Collider**, Maggie Boccella (A+): Boccella calls the film a maximalist, deeply affecting masterwork and a vivid tribute to Bowie’s creative spirit. She especially praises its archival footage, music, and immersive presentation for capturing the experience of loving Bowie. [Read](https://collider.com/moonage-daydream-review-david-bowie/)
- **Deadline**, Matthew Carey (90/100, inferred): The critic finds the documentary a powerful tribute that presents Bowie primarily as an artist and invites viewers to experience his creative world. He especially praises its immersive editing and the wealth of archival material. [Read](https://deadline.com/2022/05/moonage-daydream-review-cannes-midnight-screenings-david-bowie-documentary-director-brett-morgen-news-1235031236/)
- **/Film**, Rafael Motamayor (9/10): The critic finds the documentary an eclectic, fascinating portrait that leaves viewers inspired by Bowie’s appetite for life. They especially praise the remastered concert footage and sound, which create an exhilarating concert experience. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/874248/moonage-daydream-review-a-david-bowie-doc-as-extravagant-radiant-otherworldly-as-the-legend-himself-cannes/)
- **HeyUGuys** (90/100, inferred): The critic finds the documentary loving, engaging, and worthy of Bowie’s legacy. They praise how the archive footage captures his charisma and stage presence across the decades. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/moonage-daydream-review/)
- **NME** (90/100, inferred): The critic calls the film an impressive, unconventional portrait of Bowie and urges readers to seek it out. They praise its sensory blend of live footage, visual flourishes, and sound, while noting its focus on the Ziggy years. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/film-reviews/moonage-daydream-review-david-bowie-3311028)
- **Consequence**, Morgan Enos (85/100, inferred): The critic calls the documentary a captivating accomplishment that avoids the usual music-documentary formula. They praise its surreal audiovisual approach to exploring Bowie’s life and inner world. [Read](https://consequence.net/2022/09/moonage-daydream-review-david-bowie/)
- **The Wrap** (85/100, inferred): The critic praises the film as a bracing, gloriously messy celebration of Bowie, though its relentless chaos may exhaust some viewers. They single out its intricate audiovisual construction and powerful performances, including “Heroes” and “Cracked Actor.” [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/moonage-daydream-review-david-bowie/)
- **The Playlist** (80/100, inferred): The headline presents the film as an exuberant, transporting experience. It singles out the musical space-extravaganza approach, though the article itself was inaccessible. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/moonage-daydream-review-brett-morgen-beams-you-to-planet-david-bowie-in-a-musical-space-extravaganza-cannes-20220524/)
- **Den of Geek**, Tony Sokol (5 out of 5): Sokol finds the documentary immersive, intimate, and evocative, though it is not a definitive biography. He praises the inventive musical editing and archival material for bringing Bowie’s artistic mind to life. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/culture/moonage-daydream-ultimate-look-inside-mind-david-bowie/)
- **The Skinny**, Jamie Dunn (★★★): The review finds the documentary visually and aurally exhilarating but ultimately exhausting. It praises the carefully chosen Bowie footage and music, especially the use of “Hello Spaceboy.” [Read](https://www.theskinny.co.uk/film/new-releases/kviff-2022-moonage-daydream)

## Details

- **Director:** Brett Morgen
- **Director:** Brett Morgen
- **Writer:** Brett Morgen
- **Editor:** Brett Morgen
- **Music:** David Bowie
- **Producer:** Brett Morgen
- **Cast:** David Bowie as Self (archive footage); Lou Reed as Self (archive footage); Tina Turner as Self (archive footage); Russell Harty as Self (archive footage); Dick Cavett as Self (archive footage); Mick Ronson as Self (archive footage); Trevor Bolder as Self (archive footage); Mick Woodmansey as Self (archive footage)
- **Runtime:** 2h 15m
- **First release (France):** 23 May 2022
- **Genres:** Documentary, Music
- **Box office:** $11 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2y9ttNYwzg0

## Where to watch in the Philippines

- Apple TV: rent ₱149.00, hd
- Apple TV: buy ₱399.00, sd

*Checked 2026-10-03.*

Also available in: AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IL, IN, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, TH, TR, UA, US, VN, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## If you liked this

- *Stop Making Sense* (1984): For another concert film that lets the performer justify the attention.
- *The Velvet Underground* (2021): A useful companion for its closer attention to collaborators and artistic surroundings.
- *Koyaanisqatsi* (1982), Fi1m 82: For music and montage allowed to carry a film without biographical explanation. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/koyaanisqatsi.md)
- *Pina* (2011), Fi1m 80: Another portrait of an artist that makes room for the work itself. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/pina.md)
- *F for Fake* (1973): A more sceptical encounter with artists, self-presentation and the pleasures of editing.

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/moonage-daydream