By Emily-Rose Toohey
On the 25 March, singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo’s documentary, Driving Home 2 U (a SOUR film), was released on Disney+.
Even if you haven’t heard of the recently emerged superstar, it’s likely you’ve listened to one of her hit songs – maybe the heartbreak ballad Drivers License or the pop-punk banger Good 4 U, both topping 2021’s most played song lists.
The 19-year-old get her start as a child actor on Disney Channel’s Bizaardvark, then as the lead character in the horrendously titled High School Musical: the Musical: the Series.
Before the release of her first single in January 2021 broke records and took over the music world, Olivia was working on creating her debut album SOUR.
Her songwriting process was the focus of the documentary, which saw Olivia retracing her steps via a road trip from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles – a drive where she wrote most of the album’s songs.
Throughout this journey, Olivia performed each of her SOUR album songs live with different arrangements.
Insight into her process was also given as behind the scenes footage was shown of her in the recording studio with producer and frequent collaborator, Daniel Nigro.
The theme of SOUR is heartbreak, and Driving Home 2 U takes listeners on a journey through sadness, self-doubt, insecurity, anger, to eventual acceptance with her final track, ‘Hope Ur Ok’.
The documentary captures the artists’ sincerity and wish to remain genuine in her craft, which is beautiful to witness.
It is also filmed very well and manages to feel both nostalgic and bittersweet as we travel back with Olivia who is reflecting on the album that turned her life upside down.
The documentary comes just before this year’s Grammy Awards, where Olivia is nominated for seven – an exceptional feat for a debut artist.
By the time this is printed, the Grammy’s will have already occurred and they promise to be a night of major success for the record-breaking singer.
Olivia Rodrigo’s star is on the continuous rise and it’ll be fun to witness her growth over the years to come.
But for now, you can watch Driving Home 2 U on Disney+ to feel all the emotions – available for streaming now.
