A newly released Netflix documentary, Avicii – I’m Tim, offers a profound exploration of the life and challenges faced by Tim Bergling, the Swedish DJ better known as Avicii, who tragically died by suicide in 2018 at the age of 28.
Directed by Henrik Burman, the film combines deeply evocative footage with personal narration to chart Avicii’s journey, beginning with his serene childhood in Stockholm and culminating in his rise to global stardom.
Avicii’s ascent to fame was meteoric, fueled by chart-topping hits like “Levels” and “Wake Me Up.” However, with his skyrocketing career came immense pressures. Reflecting on his early success, Avicii said, “With ‘Levels,’ everything just took off.”
Yet, the relentless demands of touring and the performance persona he was forced to adopt began to weigh heavily on his mental well-being.
As his anxiety grew, Avicii turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism to “loosen up” before shows, which eventually led to severe health issues, including pancreatitis. “I didn’t like being a persona,” he confessed, describing his unease with balancing his identity as both Tim Bergling and Avicii.
The documentary includes poignant accounts from friends and colleagues, shedding light on his increasing dependence on painkillers and his struggle with the burdens of fame.
Although he took steps to prioritize his well-being—such as retiring from touring and finding peace in practices like meditation—Avicii often spoke of feeling “empty and unhappy.”
The film is marked by deeply moving moments, with narration from Avicii himself and heartfelt recollections from his family and collaborators. His posthumous song “SOS,” featuring lyrics like “Can you hear me, SOS?” is seen as a heartrending plea for help. Avicii – I’m Tim is available for streaming now on Netflix.