Paul Thomas Anderson’s 75-Minute Concert Film Captures Cameron Winter’s Carnegie Hall Debut

Key points

• The film documents Cameron Winter’s solo piano and voice performance at Carnegie Hall in December 2025.
• Paul Thomas Anderson directed and operated the camera, with Benny Safdie serving as a co-producer and additional camera operator.
• The 75-minute documentary is shot on 35mm and 16mm, emphasizing a raw, intimate aesthetic.
• The film premiered at the New York Film Festival and is set for a wide theatrical release on November 20, distributed by Janus Films.
• Critics compare the film to classic concert documentaries like 'Stop Making Sense' and praise its meditative, emotional impact.

Background

Paul Thomas Anderson has a history of collaborating with musicians, including Fiona Apple, HAIM, and Jonny Greenwood. His previous concert film, 'Junun,' was released in 2015. Cameron Winter, the frontman of the indie band Geese, released his solo album 'Heavy Metal' in 2024, which gained critical acclaim. The film is set for a wide theatrical release on November 20, with UK and Australia releases expected in 2027.

How outlets are covering it

IndieWire’s Ryan Lattanzio praises the film as a 'spellbinding concert doc' that is 'gorgeously tender,' highlighting Anderson’s ability to capture Winter’s emotional intensity. The Guardian’s reviewer calls it an 'immediate classic,' emphasizing the film’s sumptuous yet austere aesthetic and its ability to preserve the raw power of the performance. Rolling Stone’s David Fear argues that the film is one of the best concert movies ever, noting its ability to elevate a simple performance into a transcendent experience. Variety’s Owen Gleiberman describes the film as a 'rapturous solo concert movie' that casts a 'sonorous spell,' praising Winter’s voice and the film’s meditative quality. All outlets agree on the film’s emotional impact and Anderson’s skill in capturing the performance, but they differ in their emphasis on the film’s visual and auditory elements.

Why it matters

The film represents a significant collaboration between a major filmmaker and a rising musical talent, showcasing the power of concert documentaries to capture and elevate live performances. Its release on November 20 will likely draw attention to both Anderson’s work and Winter’s solo career, potentially influencing the future of concert films and the music industry.

What to watch

The film is set for a wide theatrical release on November 20, with UK and Australia releases expected in 2027. A live album from the Carnegie Hall performance is also set to be released, further extending the reach of the performance.