The documentary on the rise of the prolific singer and rapper Charlton Howard, who performs as The Kid Laroi, was released on Prime Video on Thursday, Feb. 29, preceded by a watch party on the platform. Directed by Michael D. Ratner, the full title references his song, “Kids are Growing Up,” as he is just an adolescent at the onset of filming. Animation is interspersed throughout, maintaining an almost childlike aesthetic with bits of gore to intensify the heightened struggles that come with stardom.
The 20-year-old Laroi is in touch with his young fanbase, shying away from the traditional facets of prestige in the music industry, such as award shows. He is not afraid to display his vulnerability, but awkward moments that are spread like wildfire on social media are not appreciated, by any celebrity for that matter. Unlike people’s general ideas about reaction channels on YouTube, Laroi appears to embrace them, with their reactions of “Stay” placed in a positive tone. This is an apt attitude to have, considering the free exposure given by these channels, and the likelihood that fans of creators like ImDontai will enjoy what he likes. He also understands the importance of artistic collaborations, elevating his friendship with Justin Bieber into a brotherhood, sharing their mutual connection of being young pop stars.
His bond with his younger brother, Austin, presents the obligations assumed by Laroi, pressured to set a good example by not abusing drugs, as youths in Los Angeles tend to do. Their comradery throughout the documentary also defies the myth that celebrities do not lead some semblance of normal lives. Their father, Nick Howard, was also revealed to be a 90s singer managed by Simon Cowell of American Idol fame. Howard may have suffered a stagnant trajectory in the industry, but his optimism has permeated into his sons’ lives, allowing for them to believe in themselves and giving Laroi the drive to stay in the spotlight for his family and friends.
The structure of the documentary brings home the idea that Laroi is still figuring himself out, going through an identity crisis during his victory lap while touring in his home country of Australia. In 2023, the final year this was filmed, he spiked his hair, cut the sleeves off his shirts and wore baggy pants when performing, along with increasing rock instrumentation in his music. This can just be chalked up to teenage angst; however, there have been plenty of events that have compelled Laroi to question everything, humbling Laroi to become an introspective person.
Death has unfortunately plagued the social life of Laroi, who was a close housemate and friend to the late Juice WRLD. While it can be argued that Laroi could have helped intervene with Juice’s drug use given all the time they shared, this is inconsiderate of the artists’ ages and respect to let their friends deal with fame in ways they see fit. Laroi still regrets not ensuring Juice WRLD was okay, but once again, he can only attribute so much responsibility to himself. Before he was adequately able to cope due to his fast lifestyle, his friend, Saik, passed away while train surfing less than a year after Juice WRLD’s overdose.
To enforce the somber themes, the animators refrain from using visual gags when portraying Laroi as a sad clown, which he has tattooed on his kneecap. He does not allude to its meaning to him, but entertainers are often like jesters, who do not always want to perform or have the capacity to uplift others when they are down on themselves. Reflecting on his past ideations of suicide, it is clear that Laroi was unsure of why he felt those ways, a vital sentiment to express when plenty of young people feel burdened by unexplainable thoughts. He mentioned music is a form of therapy for him, aligning with the visceral exploration of powerful emotions in his lyrics and through his vocal delivery.
This message is further conveyed by Laroi’s relationship with his ex-girlfriend, Katarina Deme. Although his mood fluctuates, Deme is someone who would constantly be there and cherish him. It is also admirable that Deme emphasized how she was equally valuable in their relationship; she was not just Laroi’s girlfriend, as the two built each other up to the top. He acknowledges this, stating: “I was a sad man. And then I met a sad girl. And now we’re a happy couple.”
Sadly, he grew apart from both Deme and a previous girlfriend in the timeline of this documentary. However, in the grand scheme of things, three years is a small slice of one’s life. He will fondly remember his time with Deme, lamenting at the end that he will always love her.
Regardless of your music taste, you will likely hear about The Kid Laroi if you have not already, so if you want to discover a new artist or someone to relate to, he could be the one.
Rating: 3.25/5