‘The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel’ (2026) Netflix Review - A Heartfelt Tribute

If you have been a fan of Red Hot Chili Peppers, this is one of the most moving documentaries you will ever see. But as the name suggests, the documentary is less about the band but more about its member Hillel Slovak, who was Red Hot Chili Peppers original and main guitarist. The film traces the band’s early years by way of footage and journals. We get to see close friendships between Slovak, Kiedis, and Flea, and how they went on to make one of the biggest and hottest bands of all time. And even though it might be a bit difficult to watch, we are shown the death of Hillel Slovak. For many of us, it might feel like revisiting a wound that hurts the most. That is the part where things become more heartbreaking. So, only if you are willing to watch it, you should. Because, as fans, we too are as devastated as the family of the deceased is. The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers is made very honestly. For example, Kiedis finally addresses the controversy as to why he didn’t attend his fellow band members’ funeral. That sort of acceptance and giving a reasoning that will be watched by millions takes a lot of guts, which clearly Kiedis has.

Other than that, some parts focus on Red Hot Chili Peppers as well. Because without it, the story of Hillel Slovak would be incomplete. Such a documentary on the band was much needed. It serves as a tribute to the soul we lost and to understand what his family and other band members must be going through. That aspect has been beautifully portrayed throughout the run time of the show.

The pacing is slow, but for once, I am not complaining. You see, we can’t have fast-paced storytelling when we are dealing with the topics of grief and loss. And as a viewer, you will take time to absorb what you are watching because of the emotional depth it has.

What is also admirable about The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers is the fact that it doesn’t shy away from showing the dysfunctional moments of the band. Every band goes through ups and downs, and Red Hot Chili Peppers were no less. That aspect has been covered without any bias, and that is something we must appreciate about the makers. They show the rise and all the hiccups in between without any issue.

So all in all, if you know the band, then this is a great watch. You will see so much about the band that probably went unnoticed. from grief to some of the best days, you will find yourself celebrating with the members all through the run time of The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. And most importantly, if you forgot, remember Hillel Slovak and his family today after the credits roll. This heritage band has produced some of the best music of all time, and this documentary rewinds us to that era.

Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times