Demi Lovato’s career path has taken her from Disney favorite to chart-topping pop superstar. But buried beneath the surface of success is a devastated young woman battling drug addiction, mental illness and overwhelming physical and mental demands. YouTube Original documentary Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated follows her struggles to overcome her demons and how this harrowing journey has translated into the maturity and soulfulness of her music.
Lovato was born in New Mexico in 1992 and was just two years old when her parents divorced. The trauma of abandoning her biological father, combined with constant bullying at school, will continue to reverberate as she grows up. From an early age, singing provided her with a refuge from her pain and insecurities.
Encouraged by her mother, she began taking as many classes and auditions as she could. She soon landed roles on children’s television and quickly became one of the Disney Channel’s most popular stars. Her career continues to flourish both in the studio and on tour around the world. The roller coaster of fame hasn’t quelled her unresolved underlying issues; in fact, it’s made her stand out. With her life and career at stake, she made the bold decision to seek treatment for her diet, alcohol and cocaine addictions.
Lovato’s family, friends, and colleagues are present throughout the film, describing the ups and downs of their lives with great compassion and insight. At the heart of the film is a brutally honest conversation with the woman herself as she shares her struggles to find her authentic self.
Viewers will also enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at their recording process. Lovato is a fierce and commanding singer who challenges her life to sing powerful songs about heartbreak, loss, failed relationships and the bumpy road to self-empowerment. At 25, her voice embodies a wealth of experience usually reserved only for singers twice her age.
Raw and insightful Demi Lovato: Simple Complex is a moving portrait of a confident young woman accepting herself.
Directed by: Hannah Lux Davis
