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Home - Review: “Bob and the Monster” – A Troubled Soul, A Relentless Advocate
MOVIE NIGHT

Review: “Bob and the Monster” – A Troubled Soul, A Relentless Advocate

Alysse BrysonBy Alysse BrysonSeptember 11, 20253 Mins Read
Bob and the Monster Documentary
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“Bob and the Monster” is an award-winning documentary that charts the wild, heartbreaking and ultimately redemptive journey of Bob Forrest, the former frontman of Thelonious Monster who became an unconventional drug counselor. Directed by Keirda Bahruth, the film blends archival concert footage, candid interviews and present-day sequences to explore a man who lived on the edge of addiction before emerging as one of the most outspoken figures in recovery.

For some viewers, Forrest’s name may draw different associations. To many, it’s “Bob who?” Others recall him as the lead singer of Thelonious Monster, and still others know him as the down-to-earth counselor featured on VH1’s “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.”

The Music and the Madness

The film opens with Forrest’s restless energy in the Los Angeles music scene of the 1980s, where he founded Thelonious Monster. The band never achieved widespread fame but shared close ties with groups such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, whose members appear in the film to reflect on Forrest’s talent, volatility and friendship.

The concert clips are raw, messy and often clouded by drugs. They document the highs and lows of a man living recklessly, sometimes lying down mid-performance or spiraling on stage. For fans of music history, these moments are compelling, though the scenes also tread familiar ground in the well-worn rock ’n’ roll narrative of addiction and self-destruction.

Available on Amazon Prime

A Second Act in Recovery

The most moving part of the documentary lies in Forrest’s reinvention. After more than 20 failed rehab attempts, he found purpose working with the Musicians’ Assistance Program. Over time, he developed his own philosophy of recovery, rejecting shaming tactics and favoring compassion and direct honesty.

The film highlights his ability to reach those many consider unreachable. Whether in treatment centers or on the streets of Hollywood, Forrest is portrayed as a figure willing to do whatever it takes to pull someone back from the brink.

The Missing Piece: “Celebrity Rehab”

One noticeable omission is Forrest’s role on VH1’s “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew,” the reality series that introduced him to a wide audience. For many people, including myself, that was the first exposure to Forrest’s work and his unpolished but deeply empathetic approach to recovery. Plus, I loved his style. The man can rock a hat like no other.

Bahruth addressed this choice in festival discussions, explaining that she felt the series was distasteful and not central to Forrest’s story. Still, leaving out such a significant part of his public life makes the film feel incomplete. Whether Forrest saw the show as an altruistic way to reach addicts or as a professional compromise, his perspective would have added valuable nuance.

Final Thoughts

“Bob and the Monster” succeeds in portraying Forrest as complicated: reckless yet tender, broken yet resilient. It honors his journey as both musician and counselor while avoiding hagiography.

The decision to skip over his years on “Celebrity Rehab” may frustrate viewers who came to know him through that work, but the film remains a moving, insightful portrait of survival and reinvention.

Movie Night Sobees Score: 3.5 out of 5

Movie Night Documentary 3.5 Sobees

Celebrity Rehab with Dr Drew Where are they now

SOBER POP CULTURE: Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew A Look Back and Where They Are Now


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MOVIE NIGHT WITH THE SOBER CURATOR: is your go-to guide for films and documentaries that intricately weave addiction, recovery, and mental health into powerful storytelling. Think of us as your bee-zy movie critics, curating a hive of must-watch titles that inspire, educate, and spark conversation.

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Alysse Bryson
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Alysse Bryson is a strong woman in recovery, an innovative media maven, marketing guru, and gal about town. "I'm just a laid-back old school Seattlite...with sober superpowers. You can take the girl out of the party, but you can't take the party out of the girl."

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