Fans are reacting to Celine Dion's 'raw' and 'heartbreaking' documentary
Fans are getting emotional after watching Celine Dion's new Prime Video documentary "I Am: Celine Dion," calling the singer a "real heroine" on social media.
The film, which was released at 3 a.m. ET. on Tuesday, June 25, gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at Dion's life in the spotlight and her struggles with stiff person syndrome.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, stiff person syndrome is a progressive and neurological disorder that causes muscle stiffness in the torso and limbs, and a heightened sensitivity to noise, touch and emotional stress. This can set off painful muscle spasms in the body.
Due to her illness, Dion canceled multiple shows on her world tour in 2023. However, the singer has since made a vow to return to the stage.
“I’m going to go back on stage, even if I have to crawl. Even if I have to talk with my hands, I will. I will," Dion said in an interview with TODAY’s Hoda Kotb earlier this month.
On X, many fans agreed that Dion's documentary was hard to watch. In one scene, the singer had a medical crisis in the film.
"I just saw Celine Dion’s documentary and at one point I had to stop and pull myself together," one fan wrote. "It was emotional rollercoaster. This woman is so strong and brave. Real heroine!"
When asked why she decided to include the medical crisis in the film, director Irene Taylor told The New York Times that she wanted the audience to fully understand what Dion was going through.
"I love my profession because I’m trying to access a human experience I may not have direct contact with. But if I don’t look away, if I look at this and I don’t flinch, it cultivates something in me that makes me try to understand that person better," she said.
"So we didn’t cut away. There were moments where I was like, OK, this is really intense. I let it go two or three seconds more, and then I would cut," Taylor continued. "I wanted to go just far enough that it makes people think about their own experience and not to run away. There are uncomfortable aspects of being alive, and if cinematic storytelling can get us closer to tolerating that discomfort, I want to do that with my films."
Seeing Dion's vulnerability on camera made fans see her in a new light.
On X someone said, "Just watched I Am Celine Dion and that was so raw, honest and emotional. So sad and so hard but if anyone can find their voice again and get back on their feet, it’s @celinedion!! She’s one determined lady!!! We can’t wait for her return! #IAmCelineDion."
Another said, "I have just finished watching 'I Am Celine Dion' on Amazon. I cannot express how raw, heartbreaking and, at times, distressing it is. This’ll be with me for some time."
Two people also shared a meme of Tamera Mowry-Housley crying on "The Real" and said that's how they felt about the documentary.
"Actually me right now. Absolutely ruined by #IAmCelineDion but completely in awe of this incredible woman who I have adored all of my life. I love you @celinedion ??," a fan said online.
Many sympathized with what the "My Heart Will Go On" singer has been through.
"Seeing celine suffer was terrible, I love you so much @celinedion ??," an X user wrote.
Another said, "Omg seeing celine dion like that is heartbreaking omg."
This article was originally published on TODAY.com