Taking an intimate look at his life and career, Louis Tomlinson journeys through the last 13 years in his new documentary “All of Those Voices,” released in select theaters on March 22. In the documentary, friend and director Charlie Lightening brings the raw and emotional journey of self-discovery to life. 

The documentary travels back to “The X Factor” days and focuses on the formation of One Direction and its success that would quickly change Tomlinson’s life. Unexpectedly by the time the documentary’s opening is over, One Direction is over, taking the stage for their last live performance. Just like that, Tomlinson’s story has begun.

The band’s breakup was the starting point for Tomlinson’s self-discovery. It’s when he was able to find out who he was as an artist and now as an individual. Just as he started to find his footing, tragedy struck. Tomlinson lost his mother, Johanna Deakin, in 2016. The film explores the close bond Tomlinson shared with his mother on account of her having him at 19. 

Just a week later, Tomlinson would make his first solo performance on “The X Factor.” He discusses the difficulty of that performance. Doing the performance because he knows it’s what his mom wanted. Just three years later, Tomlinson would lose his younger sister Félicité, demonstrating how hard life had been outside of being an artist and finding the strength to continue his career. 

Instead of shielding his personal life from the public, Tomlinson is brutally honest in displaying the trust he has with fans and how he views them as equals. Unlike most documentaries, Tomlinson dives deep into his personal life establishing a deep bond with the audience. Instead of pushing to be seen more seriously, he uses the film to show his humanity which is rarely seen in artists. 

With the ups and downs of life, Tomlinson was finally able to release his debut album, “Walls,” in 2020. Upon the release, Tomlinson felt that same sense of excitement from being in One Direction. Being able to perform live again gave him that sense of purpose he lost after the band. 

But unfortunately, the excitement didn’t last long, after only two shows of his debut tour Tomlinson was forced to reschedule due to the pandemic. It wasn’t until two years later the tour was able to happen. 

Like many artists, Tomlinson used lockdown to find himself musically and more importantly take time with family. He was able to provide a live stream for fans which set a world record for most tickets sold for a live-streamed concert by a solo male artist.

After lockdown Tomlinson was able to tour and regain momentum. Tomlinson found that the relationship between him and his fans had always been special, claiming “I need you and you need me.” He not only shows the faith he has in his fans, but the growing faith in himself throughout the film. 

By the end of “All of Those Voices,” Tomlinson was able to complete his first world tour and release his second album, “Faith in the Future.” Lightening was able to showcase Tomlinson’s historically undermined value and how he is able to rise despite all that is thrown at him. Tomlinson’s desire to be candid about all he experienced shines throughout the film. 

Tomlinson ends the film by finally saying to himself he deserves this. He finally is able to see himself as a successful solo artist.

Overall, “All of Those Voices” gives fans an authentic look at what it is like to be on the other side of the stage — from having it all, unexpectedly losing it, and doing everything to get it back.