SXSW London 2025: Stans
When Eminem released his single, Stan, in 2000, few could have predicted the wider societal and cultural impact. The term “Stan” is now both an adjective and a noun, referring to those for whom parasocial relationships are not so much a hobby but a religion. Accordingly, Steven Leckart’s well-meaning documentary explores the world of Eminem’s diverse array of stans.
Through interviews with fans from across the globe, Stans chronicles Eminem’s journey from impoverished Detroit battle rapper to worldwide superstar, and the respective journeys of his devotees along the way. There’s Katie, who dresses up as the Slim Shady superhero from the Without Me music video. And there’s Nikki from Aberdeen who has covered her entire body in Eminem tattoos, and admits that people likely view her as akin to the fictional “Stan”. It’s a moniker that haunts French fan Zolt, who was mocked by his family and peers for his idolisation of the rapper. He contrasts his mundane life in Paris with the joy he experienced retracing his hero’s steps in his hometown of Detroit. The documentary takes the high road in its treatment of the fans, affording them respect as opposed to deriding their eccentricities.
Eminem, who also serves as producer, is present throughout the film, and is evidently uncomfortable being so fervently revered. It’s noted that his aloof nature has led to accusations that he hates his fans, something that this passion project will undoubtedly quell. In addition to the aforementioned stans, there are contributions from key figures from Eminem’s orbit, including long-time collaborator Dr Dre, LL Cool J and even unlikely superfan Ed Sheeran.
It’s rich with archival footage, including clips from Eminem’s early battle raps to his era of MTV ubiquity. With the Y2K aesthetic making a resurgence that’s showing no signs of waning, these throwbacks will no doubt delight late 90s and early 2000s kids. But the film is by no means a dark exploration of fanaticism, and it lacks any in-depth psychological analysis of fandom (something which, ironically, its namesake song did).
Nevertheless, it’s a playful and lighthearted take on stan culture. Chronicling Eminem’s storied career and the changing relationships his fans have had with him over time, Stans is an earnest and surprisingly wholesome nostalgia trip.
Antonia Georgiou
Stans does not have a release date yet. It will be released on Paramount+ later in the year.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
RSS