Whether you’re into K-pop or not, you’ve probably heard of Lisa or her music somewhere. As a member of one of the largest girl groups in the world, Lisa has been in the spotlight constantly, as arguably the group’s most popular member. Naturally, if anyone from the group would make a fascinating subject for a documentary, it’s Lisa herself. This doesn’t stem just from her accomplishments as an artist, on and off the stage, but also in her own upbringing as the only member of Blackpink without South Korean roots. Obviously, this is not a first in the world of K-pop, but that certainly makes Lisa’s celebrity status all the more impressive, given that she’s broken barriers in the industry for future international idols. Though it also puts lots of pressure on her behind the scenes, with so many eyes on her. It never stops Lisa from being herself, because that’s both what the fans want and what Sue Kim is showing you here.
Filmed during Lisa’s off year from performing with Blackpink in 2024, Always Lalisa gives a behind-the-scenes look at Lisa’s creative process leading into the creation of her album Alter Ego. During this off time, Lisa presents herself more vulnerably, given that she’s telling all about what she feels about being in the spotlight, and what put her on this path to becoming an idol. In this process of reinventing herself, we also see Lisa’s story told from the very start: from her childhood dreams to the moment she found her own musical identity as an adult, even beyond Blackpink. Most of the details being told here feel like preliminary research for any devoted Blackpink fan, but Sue Kim isn’t approaching Lisa’s story as such. By letting Lisa be herself on camera, we get a better sense of how her role in this industry has changed her – but also what she really feels about being in the spotlight for so many years.
Sue Kim isn’t approaching Lisa’s story as a fan of K-pop as much as she is someone who is simply fascinated by Lisa. Whenever the film delves into how she feels about the weight of her celebrity status, that’s where Always Lalisa is at its most fascinating. Sue Kim touches upon important people in Lisa’s life, including her mother and stepfather, who tell us everything about the kind of person that she was growing up. To that point, the film covers the importance that Lisa’s former dance teacher, Nok, had on her life before his untimely death from cancer. It’s arguably the most heartbreaking moment of her story, given that she has spoken highly of his role in getting her to pursue her own dreams. These insights are always welcome, because they paint a better picture of how she understands the world and her own artistry.
On top of getting to know Lisa’s roots as an artist, Always Lalisa scrutinizes the nature of the industry she’s become a part of. It is especially notable that the film covers a controversy in which Lisa and her fellow Blackpink members performed songs with racial slurs in their lyrics. The damage on that front has already been done, though it’s also refreshing to hear Lisa speak about these moments properly, even if she can’t fully rectify it. In her position, with so many eyes on her, she’s obviously uncomfortable, but not avoidant. And it gives a better picture of how much more control she would want over her life, given that YG Entertainment did not deem such a moment significant enough to make a better statement at the time.
Hearing the words directly from Lisa is one thing, but it’s hard to say that the same level of interest comes from other collaborators, who merely sing her praises. One example of such comes from the interviews with Mike White, who cast Lisa to play Mook in the third season of The White Lotus. He speaks highly of her work ethic, but not much to her character. Also a missed opportunity is for Sue Kim to cover how Lisa had broken boundaries for other foreign-born idols in South Korea. Even if they might not be directly related to Lisa, this documentary doesn’t ever get incisive enough there. Knowing that Lisa is friends with other Thai K-pop idols, like i-dle’s Minnie or CLC’s Sorn among others, the lack of input from other Thai idols is a true missed opportunity. These industry peers could have insightful commentary on Lisa’s industry impact, but the film shies away from that point of view.
For most BLINKs, you’ll get exactly what you would want out of a documentary that helps build Lisa’s image. At the end of the day, that’s what Always Lalisa is, but the film is at its best when we’re listening to talk and seeing her perform. Highlights from her iconic Coachella performance come in to allow fans to relive the euphoria of watching her experiencing an all-time high as an artist. It’s a lot of fun to come back to these moments, especially knowing how skilled a performer she is. On that ground, the film is a success – though you can’t help but imagine that someone of her stature would warrant a more comprehensive documentary. At least, that’s what the fans certainly would deserve.
Watch the trailer right here.
All images via Sony Music Vision.
Directed by Sue Kim
Produced by Sue Kim, Courtney Crockett
Featuring Lalisa Manobal
Premiere Date: September 11, 2026 (Toronto)
Running Time: 98 minutes
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