Juice WRLD: Into the Abyss

Displaying the highs and lows of the celebrity lifestyle, the “Into the Abyss” documentary follows the life and career of the late rapper Juice WRLD with never-seen-before footage compiled by Juice’s videographer Chris Long. 

Juice WRLD rose to fame through the vulnerability and relatability in his lyrics, sticking out from other rappers. Juice struggled with issues such as depression, anxiety and heavy substance abuse, and Juice WRLD described a problematic trinity like this as ‘the abyss,’ setting the scene for the documentary to depict Juice’s struggle. 

“Abyss” begins some time after Juice WRLD’s rise to fame prior to the release of his sophomore album “A Death Race for Love.” Footage used early in the documentary consists of high energy concert performances and Juice’s witty, comedic character traits. From tour bus freestyles to dirtbikes and four-wheelers, the rich celebrity lifestyle appeared to fit Juice WRLD well, but the money that came with fame was spent on more than recreational vehicles and designer clothing.  

Juice’s serious drug dependency initially numbed and provided escape from his feelings of depression and anxiety. One scene features Juice speaking in-depth about how overwhelming and anxiety-inducing his quick rise to fame was. Thereafter viewers begin to see Juice’s overindulgence and substance abuse more — not because there is a lack of alternate footage but because he was using drugs more. 

The final 20 minutes show the final days of Juice’s life as well as the aftermath of his heart-wrenching death on Dec. 8, 2019 as a result of a drug-induced seizure. In the film, Juice’s girlfriend Ally and his protege The Kid LAROI recount the events in great detail. 

It is impossible to say that Juice WRLD was anything but unique. In just two short years in the music industry he rivaled long-time artists in terms of popularity but also had true depth and emotion in the lyrics. 

“Into the Abyss” beautifully depicts Juice WRLD’s life and career without leaving a strong sense of resolution. Instead the viewer sees a bittersweet reality. Juice WRLD is gone, but his message, career and infectiously happy personality are preserved.