LEGO is my life. To say how much it means to me is the understatement of the century. I love he toys, sets, the thought that goes into every brick, and especially the movies. I also love Pharrell Williams so needless to say, Piece By Piece was an absolute dream come true for me to see unfold on the big screen. Morgan Neville breaks from his classic documentary style and delivers the best artist story I’ve ever seen and it suits Pharrell so perfectly as a person.

At its core, Piece by Piece is a tribute to Pharrell’s resilience, creativity, and artistry. Neville follows his evolution from an ambitious teenager in Virginia Beach to one of the most influential producers and performers of the last 30 years. The film, which runs for 93 minutes, uses vibrant LEGO recreations to depict key moments of Pharrell’s life, offering a colourful, family-friendly experience that reflects the creativity of its subject.

The decision to tell Pharrell’s story entirely through LEGO animation is more than a gimmick; it’s a brilliant artistic choice that mirrors his synesthesia, a condition that allows him to perceive music as colors. The LEGO visuals add a playful, surreal dimension to the film, making it accessible to viewers of all ages. This approach also cleverly illustrates Pharrell’s creative process and synesthesia, showing how he builds songs “layer by layer” much like assembling LEGO bricks.

Neville’s direction ensures that the visuals are not merely entertaining and deeply symbolic, but also allow for the story to have wider appeal and more pop to it. Scenes like Pharrell’s collaboration with Snoop Dogg on Drop It Like It’s Hot are rendered with vivid imagination, capturing the atmosphere of the recording studio in LEGO form. The film also recreates pivotal moments from Pharrell’s early days with The Neptunes, his rise to fame, and the creation of hits like Happy, showcasing the vibrancy and breadth of his influence in pop culture.

As expected from a documentary about Pharrell Williams, Piece by Piece is packed with music, featuring tracks that defined multiple eras of pop, hip-hop, and R&B. Neville interweaves these hits with behind-the-scenes anecdotes, offering fascinating insights into how some of Pharrell’s biggest songs were crafted. Fans will revel in the nostalgic journey through classics like Frontin’, Get Lucky, and Blurred Lines, while newcomers gain an appreciation for the scope of his contributions to modern music.

While much of Piece by Piece celebrates Pharrell’s career triumphs, the documentary doesn’t shy away from his challenges. It explores moments of creative doubt during his Neptunes and solo career, as well as public criticism, particularly his struggle to reinvent himself when faced with career setbacks. Neville’s documentary talents really shine here, capturing Pharrell’s introspection and determination to adapt, ultimately leading to his resurgence with the global phenomenon Happy. This narrative of perseverance elevates the film beyond a simple success story, making it a universal tale of resilience and reinvention.

Despite its many strengths, Piece by Piece avoids addressing some of the more controversial aspects of Pharrell’s career. For instance, the backlash surrounding Blurred Lines and its extraordinarily misogynistic undertones is only briefly mentioned in the film, leaving a gap in the otherwise comprehensive narrative. My fellow critics have noted that this omission undermines the film’s credibility, as it sidesteps important conversations about accountability and cultural impact. Neville himself mentions he interviewed Thicke for the movie but it was ultimately cut for various reasons. While the film succeeds as an uplifting celebration, a deeper dive into such topics could have added significant weight to its narrative.

The film is peppered with cameos from Pharrell’s collaborators and contemporaries, all depicted in LEGO form. From Snoop Dogg to Gwen Stefani, these appearances add humor and nostalgia, creating a lively tableau of the music industry. The decision to include these figures in playful yet reverent ways underscores Pharrell’s role as a connector and innovator within the industry.

Piece by Piece is a delightful and inventive documentary that captures the essence of Pharrell Williams as an artist and innovator. Its use of LEGO animation is not only visually engaging but also thematically resonant, reflecting Pharrell’s boundless creativity and his ability to reimagine the world around him. While the film avoids deeper scrutiny of certain controversies, it excels in celebrating the power of music and the resilience of an artist who continues to inspire generations.