In a momentous development for fans of both music and film, Depeche Mode: M* is poised to make a global impact with its cinematic release scheduled for autumn 2025. The highly anticipated film will have its world premiere at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival in New York on June 5, 2025, setting the stage for what is expected to be one of the most talked-about music documentaries in recent years.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Anton Corbijn, a long-time collaborator of the band, M** (pronounced “Em-Star”) offers an intimate, layered portrait of the legendary British band Depeche Mode, chronicling their influence across generations, their musical evolution, and the deep emotional connections they have formed with fans worldwide. With a career that spans over four decades, Depeche Mode remains one of the most enduring and innovative acts in modern music, and this film aims to encapsulate that enduring legacy.
A Glimpse Into the World of Depeche Mode
Formed in 1980 in Basildon, Essex, Depeche Mode—originally consisting of Dave Gahan, Martin Gore, Andy Fletcher, and Vince Clarke—emerged from the UK’s post-punk and new wave scenes to become synth-pop pioneers. After Vince Clarke’s departure in 1981, the band found its defining voice in the songwriting of Martin Gore and the haunting, impassioned vocals of frontman Dave Gahan.
Over the years, their sound evolved from bright, electronic pop into darker, more complex terrain, blending industrial, blues, gospel, and rock influences. Albums like Violator (1990), Songs of Faith and Devotion (1993), and Ultra (1997) cemented their status as musical icons, while more recent records, including Memento Mori (2023), demonstrate their continued relevance in an ever-changing musical landscape.
A Cinematic Tribute: What M** Promises
Though the film’s content has been shrouded in mystery, early reports suggest that M** will be far more than a traditional rock documentary. Instead, it is positioned as a “visual requiem” and a “celebration of sound and spirit”, blending archival footage, interviews, behind-the-scenes material, and avant-garde visual storytelling.
M** reportedly delves into the profound impact that Depeche Mode’s music has had on its listeners—particularly in times of personal struggle and societal unrest. Fans from across the globe are said to appear in the film, sharing how Depeche Mode has shaped their lives and helped them find solace, identity, and community. This narrative arc reflects the band’s own journey through adversity, including personal demons, addiction, and loss.
Notably, this will be the first major cinematic release since the death of founding member Andy Fletcher in 2022, and many expect the film to serve as a heartfelt tribute to his legacy. Sources close to the production describe it as “a eulogy, but also a resurrection”—a poignant look at loss and continuity through the lens of music.
Anton Corbijn’s Vision
Dutch photographer and filmmaker Anton Corbijn has played a pivotal role in shaping Depeche Mode’s visual identity since the 1980s. Known for his stark, stylized imagery and his deep understanding of music culture, Corbijn is uniquely positioned to bring M** to life. He previously directed Control (2007), a biopic of Joy Division’s Ian Curtis, and Spirits in the Forest (2019), which followed Depeche Mode’s 2018 Global Spirit Tour from the perspectives of six devoted fans.
While Spirits in the Forest celebrated the communal and emotional aspects of fandom, M** appears to dig even deeper into existential themes—aging, mortality, transformation—while exploring what it means to remain creatively vital after more than four decades in the spotlight.
Premiere at Tribeca: A Symbolic Setting
The choice to premiere M** at the Tribeca Film Festival is significant. As a festival known for its celebration of boundary-pushing, socially resonant cinema, Tribeca provides the ideal platform for a film that is not only about music but also about human connection and resilience.
The June 5 premiere promises to be a star-studded affair, with rumors of appearances by band members Dave Gahan and Martin Gore, as well as special musical performances and a panel discussion with the filmmakers. For fans and cinephiles alike, it’s shaping up to be a landmark cultural moment.
A Worldwide Release with Global Resonance
Following its premiere, Depeche Mode: M** will roll out to cinemas globally in the autumn of 2025. It will be accompanied by a series of special event screenings in major cities, many of which will include live Q&As, fan meetups, and exclusive merchandise tied to the film’s themes and visuals.
There is also speculation about a companion soundtrack album, potentially featuring rare tracks, new compositions, and remixes curated by Martin Gore. Though no official announcement has been made, fans are already abuzz on social media, fueling excitement for what could become a major multimedia project.
Legacy in Motion
As Depeche Mode continues to perform and create, even after decades of reinvention, M** stands to solidify their position not just as a band, but as a cultural institution. More than nostalgia, the film seeks to answer the question: What does it mean to endure?
In a world increasingly defined by transience and superficiality, M** looks to be a reminder of the power of art that dares to be vulnerable, timeless, and true.
Whether you’ve followed Depeche Mode since their early days in the ’80s or discovered them through the lens of modern alternative music, Depeche Mode: M** is shaping up to be an unmissable event—an homage to sound, spirit, and survival that will echo through cinemas and hearts worldwide.
Save the date: June 5, 2025, marks the world premiere at Tribeca. The countdown begins.
