Netflix has just dropped the official trailer for its long-awaited documentary on the late Peter Steele, the iconic frontman of gothic metal band Type O Negative. The film, shrouded in secrecy for months, has finally emerged with a haunting yet captivating preview that has already begun to stir intense reactions among fans and music historians alike. For those who followed Steele’s journey from his days with Carnivore to his rise as a gothic icon, this documentary promises a raw and unflinching look at a man often misunderstood, even by those closest to him.
The trailer opens with grainy VHS-style footage of a towering young Steele rehearsing in a dim Brooklyn basement. The narration, soft but grave, sets the tone early: this is not a celebration, but a reckoning. The documentary doesn’t shy away from Steele’s personal demons — his battles with substance abuse, his infamous Playboy spread, and his dark sense of humor — but also paints a portrait of a deeply introspective artist who felt every note he wrote.
Produced by acclaimed filmmaker Laura Greenwald, who previously helmed award-winning documentaries on the lives of Leonard Cohen and Chris Cornell, the film is constructed from over 100 hours of unseen home video footage, unreleased demo recordings, and in-depth interviews with former bandmates, family members, and industry insiders. According to Greenwald, capturing Steele’s “unfiltered humanity” was the driving force behind the film’s creation.
One of the documentary’s most emotional moments, as previewed in the trailer, includes an interview with Type O Negative drummer Johnny Kelly, who breaks down while recalling the last phone call he had with Steele just days before his death in 2010. The raw emotion on Kelly’s face is undeniable, and it signals the kind of unvarnished truth-telling the documentary aims to deliver.
Beyond the heavy themes of loss and addiction, the film also dives into Steele’s unique contributions to music. With his 6’8″ frame, thunderous baritone voice, and signature mix of doom-laden riffs and romantic lyricism, Steele helped pioneer a genre that blended metal with elements of classical music, goth rock, and dark satire. The documentary dedicates an entire segment to how Type O Negative’s Bloody Kisses and October Rust became defining albums of the 1990s alternative metal movement.
In a surprising twist, the trailer also features comments from musicians outside the metal scene — including members of Nine Inch Nails, Lana Del Rey, and even Billie Eilish — all of whom credit Steele as a quiet influence on their own music. These unexpected testimonials widen the scope of the documentary beyond just a fan-service retrospective and elevate it into a broader cultural narrative about authenticity in art.
The film takes care not to mythologize Steele. Instead, it presents a complex portrait of a man who both embraced and loathed fame. One particularly chilling segment teases audio from a never-before-heard journal entry, where Steele reflects on mortality and the burden of being idolized for his pain. It’s these introspective touches that suggest the documentary might offer something deeper than the typical rock biography.
Greenwald’s visual style mixes archival footage with cinematic re-enactments, but never loses sight of the gritty, urban aesthetic that defined Steele’s world. Shot largely in black and green hues — a nod to Type O Negative’s signature color scheme — the film’s visual presentation mirrors the darkness and irony that were central to Steele’s identity.
While fans have long clamored for a proper tribute to Steele’s legacy, previous attempts were either underfunded or overly sensationalized. Netflix’s backing ensures a level of production quality that finally does justice to Steele’s story. Early critics’ screenings have described the documentary as “hauntingly beautiful” and “brutally honest,” two descriptions that perfectly mirror the man himself.
Social media has already erupted with praise following the trailer’s release. Longtime fans are calling it “the documentary we’ve waited 14 years for,” while newer viewers are intrigued by the enigmatic presence Steele left behind. Hashtags like #PeterSteeleDoc and #TypeONegative are trending globally, a testament to the lingering influence of the man dubbed “The Green Man.”
The documentary is also set to include a remastered audio tribute album, featuring covers of Type O Negative tracks by contemporary artists across genres. Though the album won’t release until after the documentary premieres, the trailer hints at a chilling Lana Del Rey rendition of “Love You to Death” that plays during the closing credits.
As anticipation builds, it’s clear Netflix has created more than just a tribute — it’s delivered a cultural document. Whether you’re a lifelong Type O Negative devotee or simply fascinated by the tortured genius archetype, this documentary promises an unforgettable exploration of Peter Steele’s life, death, and enduring shadow. It premieres globally on Netflix this October.
