Netflix has released a new documentary titled Being Eddie, focusing on the life and career of comedy icon Eddie Murphy. The film, which runs for 1 hour and 42 minutes, premiered on the streaming platform on November 12, 2025.
A Surface-Level Career Retrospective
The documentary attempts to chronicle Murphy's journey from his breakthrough on Saturday Night Live between 1980 and 1984 to his subsequent Hollywood stardom. Through rare archival footage and celebrity interviews, the film revisits major milestones including his early stand-up career, blockbuster movie successes, and various comeback attempts.
Viewers get to see Murphy reminiscing about his early influences such as Richard Pryor and Elvis Presley, and hear him discuss personal anecdotes including how a particular portrait allegedly contributed to his parents' marriage breakdown. The film features appearances by notable comedy figures including Dave Chappelle, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, as well as director John Landis, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, and executive Jeffrey Katzenberg.
Missing Depth and Controversy
Despite its technical polish and celebrity endorsements, Being Eddie falls short as a meaningful documentary. The film largely avoids addressing the more controversial aspects of Murphy's life and career. Significant events including his brief marriage to producer Tracey Edmonds, the infamous traffic stop involving a trans escort, and the complexities of fathering children with different women are either mentioned briefly or completely ignored.
Even when touching on emotionally charged subjects like the death of his brother Charlie Murphy, the documentary quickly moves on without exploring the emotional weight of such moments. This approach makes the film feel more like a polished public relations piece than an authentic exploration of the comedian's life.
Final Verdict: For Die-Hard Fans Only
With a critic's rating of 2.0 stars matching the user rating, Being Eddie serves as a basic career recap that might satisfy casual fans seeking nostalgia. However, viewers expecting an in-depth examination of Murphy's contradictions, missteps, and personal growth will likely find the documentary disappointing.
The film's 103-minute runtime ultimately feels like wasted potential, offering little new insight into one of comedy's most influential figures. While technically well-produced, the documentary's refusal to tackle difficult subjects leaves viewers with a superficial understanding of the man behind the legend.
