Sex, drugs, rock and roll. Everyone’s heard of it, yet few have lived it. The Dirt (2019), inspired by the bestselling autobiography, takes us on a journey through the greatest era of rock history, which birthed the legendary heavy metal band, Mötley Crüe.

Energetic anarchy is immediate, as the film opens in media res on the infamous Sunset Strip, late at night, post-show at the Whisky a Go Go. The camera moves chaotically, quickly whip-panning down lively streets, diving through a window into an after party hosted by the band. Following traditions of biopic storytelling through flashbacks, it focuses on individual member’s backstories, leading to how they meet to form the band. Introduced first is bassist Nikki Sixx’s (Douglas Booth) with a dramatised moment from his childhood full of teenage angst and rebellion. Next is drummer Tommy Lee (Colson Baker), described as the hopeless-romantic type. Though opposites in personality, both are misfits in their shared love for rock. Uniformed in leather jackets and studded belts; their hair way too long and pants way too tight. Eventually, they meet the others, guitarist Mick Mars (Iwan Rheon) and vocalist Vince Neil (Daniel Webber). After their first band rehearsal, by tuning down a step and playing faster, magically, something incredible is formed. As the film continues to follow biopic tradition, it explores influential career highlights through voiceover directly addressing the audience. Some may find this feature excessive, but I believe it adds self-aware charm to the film, setting it apart from other biopics. It explores specific different personalities and reactions to uppermost bizarre situations. Through love, addiction and death, the film navigates the toughest moments for the band. Whilst, at times, it lacks substance in fully exploring such emotive topics. I think what stands out the most is the relationships and dynamics within the band, the connections built with the people you’ve spent the craziest times of your life with.