This Is GWAR 2022

Art & Craft

ART: The documentary showcases a pronounced DIY aesthetic, with gritty cinematography that mirrors the band’s raw performance style. Critics commend the direction for capturing colorful latex costumes and stage spectacle, while production design emphasizes the band's theatrical roots. Editing balances interview segments with concert footage, creating a cohesive visual narrative. Overall, the art and craft are perceived as strong and inventive.

Character & Emotion

CHARACTER: Performers are portrayed with nuanced interviews that reveal personal histories and interpersonal dynamics. Reviews note the band members’ surprising humility, describing them as “sweet, normal folk” beneath the theatrical façade. Chemistry among interviewees conveys both camaraderie and lingering tensions, adding emotional resonance. The overall character depiction is deemed authentic and engaging, though some viewers desired deeper fan perspectives.

Story & Flow

STORY: The film chronicles GWAR’s evolution, offering a thorough historical timeline supported by performance clips and archival interviews. While the narrative is informative and original in its subject, several critics mention uneven pacing, with moments that linger excessively and a runtime that may test casual viewers’ patience. Nonetheless, the storyline remains coherent and maintains audience interest through its eccentric content.

Sensory Experience

SENSORY: Visuals are dominated by vivid latex costumes, stage props, and chaotic concert footage that convey the band’s theatrical excess. Sound design integrates heavy metal tracks with interview audio, preserving the raw concert atmosphere. Reviewers commend the colorful production values and the effective mix of performance and narrative soundscapes, though a few note that the sensory overload may overwhelm uninitiated viewers. Overall, the sensory experience is vivid and aligned with the group’s aesthetic.

Rewatch Factor

REWATCH: The documentary’s entertaining tone and comprehensive coverage make it appealing for repeat viewings, especially for fans seeking deeper insight into the band’s lore. Critics highlight its “wildly entertaining” quality and the abundance of performance clips as factors that encourage revisitation. Some caution that its length might reduce repeat appeal for newcomers, yet the overall consensus is that the film offers lasting enjoyment and replay value.