Courtney Love Misses Sundance Premiere of New Documentary

At a Glance

• The documentary Antiheroine premiered at Sundance on Jan. 27, 2026 but its star, Courtney Love, was absent.
• The film charts Love’s quiet life in London and her return to music after a decade-long hiatus.
• Love’s upcoming UK citizenship and new collaborations hint at a fresh chapter in her career.

Why it matters: The premiere’s absence of Love and the film’s candid look at her personal journey spotlight a pivotal moment in the life of a cultural icon.

The 61-year-old musician and actress missed the world premiere of her new documentary Antiheroine at the Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 27, 2026. The film follows her quiet life in London and her preparation to release new music after a decade-long break. While festival officials expressed disappointment, the documentary offers an unfiltered look at Love’s story beyond the headlines.

Film Overview

Antiheroine is directed by Edward Lovelace and James Hall. The logline reads, “Now sober and set to release new music for the first time in over a decade, Courtney is ready to reveal her story, unfiltered and unapologetic.” The film weaves recent footage of Love working in a London studio with archival clips of her rise through the music industry, Hollywood, and tabloids. It also captures her candid thoughts on her life and the last three years.

Premiere and Absence

Festival director Eugene Hernandez said, “Unfortunately she’s not able to make it to tonight’s screening.” Co-director Edward Lovelace added, “We’re really gutted that Courtney couldn’t make it tonight to celebrate this moment with us all.” He praised Love for trusting the filmmakers to “tell her story and allow us to experience the last three years.” Lovelace called the film “an intimate honest film with someone we have so much love for.”

Audience Reaction

During the Q&A, Hernandez asked the crowd how they felt about the film. He captured the resulting applause in a video he said he would share with Love. Several audience members shouted, “We love you Courtney!” in a chorus that echoed the festival’s energy.

Love’s Musical Journey

Love moved to London more than five years ago, where she began writing new music. In March 2025, she revealed she would be receiving UK citizenship in a matter of months. Her return to music follows a decade-long hiatus. In June 2024, she appeared in a photo from a recording session with Melissa Auf der Maur, the former bassist of Hole. The Instagram post noted, “First time in studio together in 24 years.” Love also featured on 070 Shake’s track “Song to the Siren,” which included Auf der Maur’s vocals.

In an interview, Love hinted at a collaboration with longtime friend Michael Stipe, who is also the godfather of her daughter. She said, “I don’t do ‘collabs’ – man, I hate that word.” She added, “I fell down weeping hearing his voice – it’s better than ever! I thought I knew the outcome, but I’m still the grasshopper while Michael is the sensei. There are others I can’t mention; I didn’t intend for any collaborations.”

Behind the Scenes

The film features appearances by musicians Michael Stipe, Melissa Auf der Maur, Eric Erlandson, Billie Joe Armstrong, Patty Schemel, and Butch Walker. Producer Julia Nottingham explained to Variety that the project was born from a desire to show Love’s story beyond headlines: “We made this film because Courtney’s story is bigger than the headlines. It’s raw, complicated, and deeply human.” Nottingham has previously worked on projects such as Pamela: A Love Story, The Greatest Night in Pop, and Victoria Beckham.

Production Details

Lovelace and Hall approached the project with a focus on intimacy. They spent months interviewing Love in her London home and studio, capturing her creative process. The film’s editing team blended contemporary footage with archival material, creating a seamless narrative that spans decades. The soundtrack includes unreleased tracks Love recorded during her recent writing sessions.

Reception

Critics who previewed the film praised its honesty and depth. Reviewers highlighted the balance between Love’s personal struggles and her artistic resilience. The film’s inclusion in the 2026 Sundance lineup positioned it as a key conversation piece about celebrity, recovery, and artistic reinvention.

Future Plans

Love’s upcoming UK citizenship and her collaboration with Stipe suggest a renewed focus on music. She has hinted at a forthcoming album that will blend her signature grunge style with contemporary influences. The film’s release is expected to boost interest in her new projects, potentially leading to a series of live performances and interviews.

Timeline of Key Events

Takeaways

• Love’s absence from the premiere underscores her focus on her personal and musical projects.
• The documentary offers a rare, unfiltered look at her life in London and her return to the music scene.
• Upcoming UK citizenship and collaborations signal a new chapter in Love’s career.