Netflix Documentary ‘The One About Matthew Perry’ Examines Actor’s Life, Addiction, and Legacy

The life and legacy of Matthew Perry, the beloved star of the sitcom “Friends” who passed away in October 2023, is the subject of a new three-part Netflix documentary titled “The One About Matthew Perry.” Directed by Mary Robinson, known for her work on “Quiet on the Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV,” the series seeks to move beyond the headlines surrounding Perry’s death to provide a nuanced portrait of his decades-long battle with addiction and his dedicated efforts toward recovery advocacy.

Perry died at the age of 54 from the effects of ketamine and drowning, a tragedy that led to a high-profile investigation and legal consequences for a group of enablers now serving time for their roles in his death. However, Robinson’s documentary resists defining Perry solely by the circumstances of his passing. Instead, the film presents a chronological narrative that acknowledges his 25-year survival, during which he continued to act, write, and maintain deep personal connections despite the gravity of his illness.

The documentary relies on intimate interviews with Perry’s family and long-term friends, intentionally omitting major celebrity appearances to avoid the standard platitudes of Hollywood tributes. One of the most significant contributors is Perry’s sister, Mia Perry Bowick, a psychotherapist. Bowick offers a candid and professional perspective on her brother’s life, connecting his public highs and lows to early family dynamics and the emotional weight he carried throughout his career.

In addition to new interviews, the series incorporates Perry’s own voice through media appearances and excerpts from his 2022 memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.” These reflections highlight his startling frankness about the reality of addiction, which he viewed and advocated for as a chronic illness rather than a moral failing. The documentary details how Perry utilized his platform and personal fortune to assist others in their recovery journeys, establishing a legacy of philanthropy alongside his work in television and film.

While the film celebrates Perry’s ambition, humor, and magnanimity, it does not ignore the darker facets of his life. Robinson includes accounts of the pain Perry’s addiction occasionally inflicted on those closest to him, providing a complex view of a man who was fighting for his life while simultaneously struggling to manage the demands of global fame. The resulting narrative is described as a straightforward and honest remembrance that honors the actor’s memory by embracing both his vulnerability and his resilience.