Film Review: Meet Me In The Bathroom

Of course, the title’s a drugs reference as well as a song, but this vivid and compelling film by Will Lovelace and Dylan Southern, based on Lizzy Goodman’s book, focuses on the dizzying rise of early 2000s bands The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs Interpol, and many others, with rare footage of wild early club gigs and awkward school photos.

In essence, it’s like a kinetic scrapbook compiled by family and friends. It doesn’t skimp on rivalry between bands -Ryan (ahem) Adams and The Strokes famously fell out because of heroin- nor does it fanboy over the subjects. There’s much egotism (The Strokes are like brats at the beginning, Karen O seems a bit confused and conceited) but it also takes a sideways look at the arguably more interesting leftfield, outsider bands like The Moldy Peaches, Liars, The Rapture, TV On The Radio and LCD Soundsystem.

Pictured: The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs,TV On The Radio and an ecstatic James Murphy (LCD Soundsystem)

Visually, it’s ravishing- gigs are up close and mosh -pit sweaty, and there’s a glorious scene of James Murphy’s musical epiphany on ecstasy thanks to Irish DJ and producer, David Holmes which is a pure joy to witness. Ah, E memories…

Most potently of all, it captures -very movingly- the confusion, hurt, anger and paranoia of 9/11 and the community’s attempt to collectively piece itself back together, and how music helped to heal NYC kids. There’s no judgment,just a feeling of the redemptive, as well as chaotic and messy, power within scenes and the creative process. A very insightful and energising documentary.

Available to watch,stream and buy online.