Kanye West Documentary “In Whose Name?” Premieres in Theaters Today

New York, Sept. 19, 2025 - In Whose Name?, a vérité documentary chronicling six turbulent years of Kanye West’s life, debuts in select U.S. theaters today, offering unprecedented insight into the rapper’s public controversies and personal struggles.

Nut Graf Directed by Nico Ballesteros, who began filming West at age 18, the film compiles over 3,000 hours of footage to trace West’s mental‐health battles, high‐profile breakups and career-ending feuds. Its release arrives amid ongoing debates over celebrity accountability and the role of documentary filmmaking in chronicling unfiltered reality.

Unfiltered Access and Explosive Moments

  • Ballesteros shadowed West from 2018 through 2024, capturing key events such as his 2018 White House meeting with President Trump and the dissolution of his marriage to Kim Kardashian.
  • The documentary exposes raw exchanges, notably West’s confrontation with Kris Jenner, where he accuses her of “emasculating” him during a medicated period.

Star-Studded Cameos Highlight Wider Impact

  • Appearances by Elon Musk, Pharrell Williams, Drake and Candace Owens spotlight West’s influence on music, technology and politics.
  • Comedian Michael Che is shown confronting West backstage at Saturday Night Live over pro-Trump remarks, underscoring tensions between artistry and social responsibility.

Critical Reception and Cultural Relevance

Early reviews are mixed:

  • The Guardian praises its “grimly compelling” portrait of a genius in freefall.
  • Variety criticizes its lack of narrative throughline, arguing the film jumps from one antic to the next without deeper context.

What’s at Stake

With West’s partnerships dissolved-Adidas, Gap and Live Nation have all severed ties-the documentary’s release underscores questions about the lasting impact of public figures’ personal conduct on their legacies and industries alike.

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