Depeche Mode: M

If you're a Depeche Mode fan—or just someone who loves music documentaries with a deeper cultural twist—Depeche Mode: M is one to keep on your radar. Directed by Mexican filmmaker Fernando Frías de la Parra, this 95-minute concert documentary dives into the band's 2023 performances in Mexico City, capturing not just the music but the atmosphere, emotion, and cultural resonance of the shows.

The film centers around three sold-out concerts at Foro Sol stadium, where nearly 200,000 fans gathered to see Depeche Mode perform as part of their Memento Mori World Tour. These shows were especially significant, marking the band’s first tour following the passing of founding member Andy Fletcher in 2022. The themes of the tour—and the film—reflect on mortality, memory, and the enduring power of music, making the choice of Mexico City, with its rich traditions surrounding death, a meaningful backdrop.

What sets Depeche Mode: M apart from your typical concert film is its blend of live performance footage with archival material and cultural interludes. It’s not just about the music (though there’s plenty of that); it’s also about the connection between the band, their fans, and the broader themes of life and loss. The film has been praised for this layered approach, with Rolling Stone calling it a “powerful tribute” and Billboard describing it as a “dynamic cinematic journey.”

The film features band members Dave Gahan and Martin Gore, and is brought to life by a talented production team including cinematographer Damián García and editors Yibrán Asuad, Melisa San Vincente, and Liora Spilk. It premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2025, where it was followed by a live conversation with the band and director.

If you’re into music documentaries that go beyond the stage and into something more emotional and culturally rich, you’ll likely find a lot to appreciate here. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a straightforward concert film without much introspection or thematic depth, this might not be your thing.

Either way, Depeche Mode: M offers a unique look at a legendary band still evolving, still connecting, and still making an impact—on stage and beyond.