Netflix releases documentary exploring Matthew Perry's addiction through family interviews
The three-part series features testimony from Perry's sister, friends, and former partners, but lacks input from his 'Friends' co-stars.
By Noor Phillips ·
Netflix has released all three episodes of 'The One About Matthew Perry,' a documentary series examining the actor's life and death. The project, directed by Mary Robertson, focuses on personal testimonies rather than star power. None of Perry's 'Friends' castmates participated in the production. This absence includes Hank Azaria, Bradley Whitford, and Aaron Sorkin, who all knew Perry during various stages of his career.
Mia Perry Bowick, Perry's younger half-sister and a therapist, serves as the primary narrator. She describes the experience of sharing a famous family member with the public. The series includes interviews with close friends Roger Castillo and David Pressman. They recall nights spent at the Formosa Cafe in West Hollywood before Perry achieved fame. The cast also features ex-girlfriends and a Gen Z acquaintance met during a rehab stint. This woman noted their connection stemmed from her age, stating, 'I was born in 1997; you're not that big a deal to me.'
Director Mary Robertson avoids new revelations or artificial voice effects. An introductory title card identifies the series as the story of Perry's life told by family, friends, and Perry himself. The narrative relies on archival clips and previously recorded audio. Perry is heard praying for fame in his youth, admitting he begged, 'God, you can do anything you want to me; just please make me famous.' He later noted ruefully that 'God didn't forget' about the suffering implied in that prayer.
The documentary contextualizes the 'Friends' era within Perry's wider life. It covers his childhood between two family units and his subsequent career moves, including 'Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.' The 2021 'Friends' reunion is depicted as a source of anxiety for Perry. He was still recovering from a sepsis-induced coma in 2018 caused by opiate use. Online criticism of his appearance and mannerisms during the reunion was particularly painful to him.
The series traces the timeline of Perry's addiction. It begins with prescribed painkillers taken after an injury on the set of the 1997 film 'Fools Rush In.' The narrative follows multiple cycles of relapse, detox, and sobriety. The final minutes address the circumstances of Perry's death from a ketamine overdose in October 2023. The show notes that his assistant Kenneth Iwamasa and other dealers received criminal convictions.
Mia Perry Bowick offers a pointed critique of Iwamasa's actions. She argues that he should have alerted family members to Perry's ketamine use. The documentary concludes by reframing known headlines through the perspectives of those closest to Perry. The series emphasizes that his talent and humor were not enough to overcome a chronic disease.
