Documentary Review: ‘Stans’

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Review by James Lindorf

Art is the production of works that are to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. Eminem’s music, while lyrically impressive, has been protested against far too frequently to be labeled beautiful. However, his willingness to bare his soul and share struggles from various points in his life has tremendous emotional power. That vulnerability builds a sense of connection between him and his fans. While the vast majority are perfectly healthy, some cross the line. One of Eminem’s most iconic songs, “Stan,” about an unstable fan, was released 25 years ago. The song had such a sway over our society that the term became synonymous with overzealous fans and was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2017.

Now the song is lending its name to “Stans,” an emotional new documentary now playing in 135 AMC locations around the country and in over 50 territories worldwide for one weekend only. The studios involved in the production and release of the film know how to handle publicity to excite fans. Not only is it as much their story as it is his, but they are releasing a soundtrack, including a vinyl version, with previously unreleased music, and offering a free popcorn bucket for ticket holders while supplies last.

The film details Eminem’s career arc from unknown Detroit battle rapper to “Rap God” to elder statesman trying to define a career in its fourth decade. Most of the events are told through the experiences of some of his biggest fans. People who may be mocked for their devotion but who have managed to stay on the right side of the line crossed by Stan. The film explores more than just fandom, diving into the complicated relationship between one of the world’s most private artists and his massive public persona. These moments are shown in a variety of ways, including recreations, archival footage, and an exclusive original interview with Eminem himself.

While it is always great to learn more about a respected artist, it is the fan interviews that make this a special film. Their openness about their difficulties, past and very much in the present, including the bullying, addictions, and the loss of loved ones, is what makes this the best celebrity-focused documentary I have ever seen. In this subgenre, we often get to see the celebrity meeting fans and shots of thousands of screaming audience members. Still, we never go into depth on what this one-sided relationship means to them. It is fascinating to see how close to the edge some of them may be and how positively it affects others. While the film lacks the immediacy and power of current documentaries about the war in Ukraine or the starvation being inflicted upon the people of Gaza, I wouldn’t be shocked to see it nominated for awards. We are all fans of something or someone, giving the movie universal appeal that makes you ask the question, what it would take to push me from fan to fanatic to Stan.

Director: Steven Leckart
Producer: Eminem, Paul Rosenberg, Stuart Parr, Antoine Fuqua, Tony DiSanto
Distributor: Trafalgar Releasing
Production Co: Shady Films, Hill District Media, DIGA Studios, MTV Entertainment Studios
Release Date (Limited Theatrical): August 7th, 2025
Runtime: 1h 42m