Matt Willis: Fighting Addiction is a poignant and intimate exploration of the Busted bass player’s long-standing struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. The documentary delves into the impact of addiction on families, with a focus on Emma, Matt’s wife, who has been a constant support throughout his journey towards sobriety. The film takes viewers on a journey through Matt’s past and present, as he tries to understand the root causes of his addiction.
Emma opens up about her experience with Matt’s addiction, revealing that she used to drive around looking for him during his relapses. She retrieves a diary from before their wedding, which contains notes of what Matt had consumed, including alcohol and drugs. The film shows how addiction can have a devastating impact on families, as Emma’s pain is just as palpable as Matt’s.
The documentary sheds light on Matt’s rise to fame as a member of Busted, a band formed in 2002. The band was hugely successful, with sold-out arena tours and million-selling albums. However, Matt’s addiction started to take hold when he was just 22 years old. He couldn’t get through the day without drinking or using drugs. During a later relapse, he was taking six grams of cocaine a day. Today, he is sober, but he acknowledges that his head is still “fucked”.
Matt’s relapses tend to happen when he is on the road, and he admits that he loves the lifestyle. Although the film does not delve into the enabling environment of the music industry, Matt returns to his childhood to try to understand the root causes of his addiction. He grew up in Molesey, Surrey, where his parents divorced when he was just three years old. He and his brother, Darren, had a difficult childhood, and music became Matt’s escape.
During the documentary, Matt visits the first rehab facility he attended in Bournemouth. He and Emma also attend a Glasgow project that supports families of addicts. It is the first time Emma has sought help, and she is moved by the stories recounted in the group session. She breaks down, unable to articulate what she has been through.
The film ends as Matt prepares to go on a Busted reunion tour, leaving viewers worried about the possibility of a relapse. He is terrified of going back to his old habits, and Emma is equally concerned. However, she is clear-eyed about what they are wrestling with, saying that addiction is a part of who Matt is, and that “who he is is who I love”.
Overall, Matt Willis: Fighting Addiction is a powerful and emotional documentary that sheds light on the devastating impact of addiction on families. The film is a reminder that addiction is a disease that affects not only the person struggling with it but also their loved ones. Matt’s story is a testament to the power of love and support in overcoming addiction, and his journey towards sobriety is an inspiration to others who may be struggling with addiction themselves.
