The Chills: The Triumph & Tragedy of Martin Phillipps

Some would argue that songwriter Martin Phillipps 'is' The Chills, one of the most distinctive pop bands to have come out of New Zealand. This documentary examines the complicated talent behind some iconic pop songs and finds him at a crossroads in his life, facing very real consequences after years of alcohol and drug dependency. Phillipps opens up about his desire to leave a proper legacy, while a selection of ex-band mates lay bare their experience of being in the band. The film won the first of many enthusiastic reviews when it debuted at Texas festival South by Southwest in 2019. Phillips died in July 2024.

Not since Thor: Ragnorak have I swelled with such national pride as I did during tonight's SXSW premiere of The Chills: The Triumph and Tragedy of Martin Phillipps. It's a fantastic film...

– Film reviewer Dominic Corry tweets his appreciation, at Texas festival South by Southwest, 13 March 2019

Key Cast & Crew

Tim Riley

Producer

Julia Parnell

Director, Producer

Nicola Peeperkoorn

Writer, Producer

Tim Flower

Cinematographer

Grayson Gilmour

Composer

Rob Curry

Co-Director