Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero – A Journey Of Transformation Caught On Film
The documentary film Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero has just been released in the UK, having premiered in the US back in September 2023. It follows the journey of the music artist’s first US tour; however, it transcends the typical ‘musician on the road’ movie, offering a vibrant and intimate look into the inner world of this rising star. While Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version) and Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé peel back the velvet curtain on the realities of life on tour, this documentary delivers so much more. With no initial set outcome in mind for the project, what unfolded was a profound narrative of personal transformation and the deep, resonant connections between Lil Nas X and his fans. It’s a journey filled with heart, authenticity and the unfiltered spirit of an artist who continually defies expectations and redefines what it means to connect through music.
Lil Nas X, born Montero Lamar Hill, skyrocketed to fame in 2019 with the release of his single Old Town Road; a genre-blending hit that dominated the US Billboard charts for a record-breaking 19 weeks. But his journey wasn’t just about musical success; during this whirlwind rise, he came out as gay – a milestone moment in his life, which is central to the film. The documentary explores the core theme of transformation and the courage it takes to embrace one’s true self in the spotlight.
The film was directed by Zac Manuel and Carlos López Estrada. Manuel was primarily on the road with Lil Nas X for 60 days, from before the start of the tour in 2022 until its conclusion in March 2023. During this time, Estrada oversaw the incoming footage and helped formulate the documentary narrative by weaving together the insights Manuel was gathering. “[Nas] fully welcomed us into his house, so I think he knew what he was getting himself into,” says Estrada. “But the fact that he was so embracing of the process and didn’t really filter us throughout was really special.”
In the film, Lil Nas X remains aware of the director’s presence. He often glances at the camera, makes faces and sometimes becomes bashful when overhearing other team members discuss his promising potential. He comes across as self-aware and unfiltered, with a passion for himself and the community he has built. We see his nerves backstage before shows as he watches the crowds of waiting fans, and his more carefree self while rollerblading with his family to Deniece Williams’ 1976 classic Free.
The film clearly shows the incredible access the filmmakers had to the musician, revealed through the raw insights Lil Nas X provides. “I kind of start to vomit my personal story in the hopes that I embarrass myself first, so that no one else has to feel bad when they are being vulnerable,” says Manuel, explaining how he was able to build the star’s trust. “I’m also very transparent about what I want to talk about and how certain conversations will serve the story. Basically, I’ll tell you about who I am and then ask a lot of questions about you, and I hope it allows a space for transparency for both of us to be able to explore different parts of ourselves and tell our own stories.” There are beautiful moments where Lil Nas X lies on his bed at home, opening up to the camera as if speaking to his closest confidant, revealing a softer, more vulnerable side to the bold, salacious character the public sees.
The concept of the Long Live Montero tour followed the story of a young boy going on a journey of self-discovery (hence the butterfly motif, which appears throughout Lil Nas X’s music and stage production). “Nas made it easy for us because he had put a lot of thought into the thematic elements and the structural elements of his show,” says Estrada. “The show was structured around his music chronologically, so in a way he gave us the emotional map of what was most important to him.”
The film brings Lil Nas X’s fans into the narrative, offering them space to share why the artist has touched them more than other musicians. People of all ages, backgrounds and genders are shown having the time of their life in a space that allows them to their authentic, unfiltered selves. “Having them be a part of the movie was one of the most special parts, because the relationship that he has with his fans is really like nothing else,” says Estrada. “We keep telling people that it felt like going to a gigantic support group where there was just a bunch of people that were all trying to connect and better learn how to understand themselves, and it was such a healthy, vibrant environment.” The filmmakers go deep with the fans, asking them to reveal their own personal stories of transformation. They talk about moments when they learned to embrace and love themselves. “That aspect of the movie, for me, is one of the most precious parts,” says Estrada.
The overall feeling you come away with is that, since 2019, Lil Nas X has been on a profound journey of self-discovery, reaching a point where he feels fully “butterflied”. There’s a sense of resolution and an eager anticipation to continue evolving, all while bringing his fans along for the ride. “When we first showed Nas the film, we were worried he would have a negative reaction to the intimacy of [it],” recalls Estrada. “But when we pressed play, he jumped off his seat and started dancing and singing along. I don’t think he sat down for the entire screening.” Manuel adds: “He was just so excited about what we were doing and kept wanting to make it better and better.” It is this infectious and endearing enthusiasm that encapsulates the spirit of Lil Nas X, leaving you to believe that what you are watching is only just the beginning.
Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero is available to watch now
Pia Brynteson is Content Editor at Service95
