The world of rock and roll has always been loud, electric, and larger than life—and few embodied that spirit quite like Ace Frehley. Known to millions as the “Spaceman” of KISS, Frehley’s shimmering solos, silver makeup, and cosmic charisma defined a generation. Now, Netflix honors his extraordinary life and career with Beyond the Makeup, a deeply personal and emotional documentary chronicling the highs, lows, and everything in between of one of rock’s most enigmatic guitarists.
The documentary opens with a montage of Frehley’s most iconic performances, from KISS’s 1970s arena domination to his explosive solo tours. Narrated by close friends, family members, and fellow musicians, it captures the magnetic force that turned a Bronx-born dreamer into a rock god. For fans, it’s more than nostalgia—it’s a chance to rediscover the man behind the lightning bolts, the riffs, and the mask.
Through never-before-seen footage, Beyond the Makeup explores Ace’s humble beginnings in New York City. Growing up surrounded by the energy of street sounds and the early roots of rock, Frehley’s fascination with the guitar started young. The film traces how his raw talent and rebel spirit caught the attention of Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss—leading to the birth of one of the most influential rock bands of all time.
But fame, as always, came with its own price. The documentary does not shy away from the turbulence that followed KISS’s rise to global fame. It delves into Frehley’s personal struggles—his battles with addiction, burnout, and the pressures of fame that nearly consumed him. Netflix’s storytelling brings a rare honesty to these moments, capturing both the chaos and the courage that defined Ace’s journey.A highlight of the film is its focus on Frehley’s creative genius.
Interviews with legendary musicians—ranging from Slash and Dave Grohl to Lzzy Hale—reveal how his signature tone and playful showmanship shaped the DNA of hard rock. As one artist notes in the film, “Ace wasn’t just playing the guitar—he was channeling another dimension.”
The emotional depth of Beyond the Makeup extends beyond music. Viewers witness Ace reflecting on his life with raw vulnerability—discussing lost friendships, redemption, and the moments he thought he’d never return to the stage. These scenes humanize the man behind the Spaceman mask, revealing the soul of a musician who found his way back from darkness through the same instrument that first saved him.
The film also features rare behind-the-scenes moments from KISS’s farewell tours and intimate studio sessions from Frehley’s later solo work. Fans will see a softer side of the rock legend: laughing with crew members, reminiscing with old bandmates, and mentoring young guitarists who grew up idolizing him. It’s a touching reminder that Frehley’s legacy continues to shine far beyond the makeup and pyrotechnics.
Cinematically, Netflix delivers nothing short of a visual masterpiece. Directed with reverence and style, the documentary blends vintage concert footage, modern interviews, and cinematic recreations with stunning transitions and ambient lighting that mirror Ace’s cosmic persona. The soundtrack, curated by Frehley himself, pulses with his signature riffs and unreleased tracks that give fans one final sonic gift.
As the film moves toward its closing chapters, Beyond the Makeup reflects on legacy—the eternal question every artist faces. Ace speaks directly to his fans in one unforgettable moment: “The makeup fades, the stages change, but the music… the music is forever.” It’s a statement that echoes through the credits like a guitar note that never dies.
Critics are already hailing the documentary as one of Netflix’s most powerful tributes to a musician’s life. It’s not just for KISS fans—it’s for anyone who’s ever found light in chaos, melody in madness, and strength in the power of rock.For decades, Ace Frehley was known as the man from another world. Now, with Beyond the Makeup, he reminds us that even legends are human—that behind the glitter and thunder lies a heart that beats for the love of music. As the final scenes fade to black, the message is clear: Ace may have taken off the makeup, but his spirit will continue to shine across the galaxies of rock history.
Streaming now on Netflix, Beyond the Makeup is more than a documentary—it’s a farewell letter to fans, a celebration of resilience, and a reminder that the Spaceman’s light will never go out.
