I Used to Be Normal: A Boyband Fangirl Story

I Used to Be Normal: A Boyband Fangirl Story is a compelling 2018 documentary made for all individuals who have been touched, influenced or even been beguiled by the magic weaved by music bands. Directed by Jessica Leski, the film stars narrative voices of Elif Cam, Lester Francois, Dara Donnelly, and Taylor Goddard, and takes you on a thrilling journey across the globe, into the intimate worlds of 'fangirls'.

However, the film delves far beyond the anticipated screams, tears, and fan paraphernalia that one might expect. 'I Used to Be Normal' explores subtler themes encompassed within the world of music and fandoms, including identity, passion, community, and personal growth. Everything is beautifully wrapped together, offering an honest examination of the impact and influence of boy bands on individuals and society.

Focusing on four diverse subjects from different walks of life and different generations, each with distinct stories that collectively craft the heart of the film. Elif, a teenaged One Directioner from San Francisco, Dara, a dedicated Backstreet Boys fan living in Sydney, Sadia, a romantic Take That follower based in Sydney, and Susan, an older woman living in Melbourne whose love for The Beatles is still pronounced. Their obsessions take on various forms but all stem from a singular source of adoration - the boy bands.

Unfolding primarily as a compilation of interviews, the film provides insights not only into these four women's lives and their whirlwind experiences of fandom but also delves into their personal struggles and joys. The documentary avoids ridicule and instead treats its subjects with respect and understanding, barring any judgement or stereotypes typically associated with 'fangirls'. The result is a heartfelt exploration of their journeys, revealing as much about their everyday lives as it does their deepest emotions, intimate confessionals, and marvelling desires.

The innovative use of animation and nostalgic footage scattering throughout the film dynamically brings the interviewees' fantasies and memories to life. Whether it's intricate illustrations showcasing hypothetical life scenarios with their heartthrobs or nostalgic clips from the early days of their respective bands, the viewer is transported into their unique worlds with seemly ease and fascination. The film's use of the interviewees' personal footage, collected over years of dedication, gives an almost voyeuristic perspective on their highs, lows, dreams, and realities.

Jessica Leski painstakingly showcases the multifaceted nature of fangirling in 'I Used To Be Normal'. From the initial excitement and overwhelming emotions of discovering a new boy band that resonates, to the intense feelings of immersion within a community of likeminded individuals. Furthermore, the undesired but inevitable heartbreak that follows as bands break up, grow up and move on.

More than a documentary on music or fan culture, 'I Used to Be Normal' also throws subtle light on the unconscious gender bias that surrounds female music fans. By focusing exclusively on female subjects and their idolization of male music icons, the film prompts a reconsideration of the often-dismissed passion of teenage girls. The central characters of this film truly get the chance to articulate what these bands have meant to them, both positively and negatively, focusing on their emotional landscapes often disregarded as hysterical or mindless.

Quirky, compelling, and utterly relatable, 'I Used to Be Normal: A Boyband Fangirl Story' offers intrigue and insight to those who've never screamed their lungs out over a band and a sense of nostalgic camaraderie to those who have. It breaks down the wall of stereotypes and shares a refreshing and empathetic take on the phenomenon of 'fangirling,' making it a story worth investing your time in. Whether or not you're a fan of boy bands, this film is sure to make you feel a little less alone in your passions, whatever they may be.

Jessica Leski succeeds in creating a film that is not just an empathetic portrayal of fan culture but a compelling exploration of female identity, the growth of self-worth, and the undeniable power of pop-culture ubiquity. I Used to Be Normal: A Boyband Fangirl Story is genuinely a documentary for anyone who has ever found solace, joy or a sense of self in music.