The world has heard her basslines—now it’s time to hear her story.
Music lovers, rejoice! Netflix has pulled back the curtain on one of the most anticipated music documentaries in recent memory.
The streaming giant has officially greenlit a powerful deep dive into the life, artistry, and legacy of Tal Wilkenfeld. Known for her soul-stirring bass playing and poetic songwriting, Tal’s story is one of extraordinary talent, quiet defiance, and a passion that refuses to be confined.
Tal Wilkenfeld’s rise to global acclaim is anything but conventional. Born in Sydney, Australia, she picked up the guitar as a young teen, only to switch to bass shortly after—a decision that would change the trajectory of her life. She moved to the U.S. at just 16, determined to immerse herself in the heart of the music world. Within a few short years, she was sharing stages with legends.
At the age of 21, Tal catapulted into the spotlight when she joined guitar virtuoso Jeff Beck on tour. Their electrifying performance at London’s Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club became the stuff of legend, showcasing not just Beck’s genius, but Tal’s astonishing command of the bass. The upcoming documentary will revisit that iconic moment with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and commentary from industry giants who witnessed it firsthand.
But the documentary doesn’t stop at the music—it explores the woman behind the instrument. Through candid interviews, journal entries, and rare home footage, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of Tal’s journey through identity, solitude, and self-discovery. Her move from sideman to solo artist was not just a career shift; it was a reclamation of voice.
Tal’s 2019 solo album Love Remains marked a turning point. With haunting melodies and raw lyrics, it revealed an entirely new layer of her artistry. The documentary places special focus on the making of that album, taking audiences inside the studio and into the emotional terrain that shaped it. Viewers will see how pain, healing, and spiritual searching fed into her creative process.
Netflix has promised a “visually lyrical experience” that mirrors Tal’s signature blend of elegance and edge. Directed by award-winning documentarian Morgan Neville (20 Feet from Stardom, Won’t You Be My Neighbor?), the film will combine performance footage, spoken word, and intimate narration into a cinematic portrait that honors both the silence and the sound.
A major theme of the documentary is the challenge of being a woman in the world of instrumental virtuosity. Wilkenfeld opens up about being labeled a “female bassist” instead of simply a “musician”—a distinction that often minimized her depth. The film confronts this head-on, turning those stereotypes inside out and placing Tal’s musicality at the center, not her gender.
Viewers will also hear from a constellation of collaborators and admirers. From Prince and Mick Jagger to Herbie Hancock and Benmont Tench, the documentary gathers testimony from those who not only worked with Tal but were deeply moved by her spirit. Their reflections paint a portrait of an artist who listens as fiercely as she plays.
The film doesn’t shy away from Tal’s personal struggles either. It explores the emotional weight of fame, creative burnout, and the introspection that comes with being perceived as a prodigy. At its core, the story is about resilience—not the loud, defiant kind, but the quiet determination to keep showing up, creating, and evolving.
Online anticipation has already hit a fever pitch. Teasers and early stills released by Netflix show Tal lost in thought at a piano, locking eyes with her bass during rehearsal, and wandering a desolate shoreline—images that seem to echo the meditative and spiritual undercurrents of her music.
Tal Wilkenfeld: In Her Own Time isn’t just a music documentary—it’s a story of transformation. From gifted teenager to global sensation, and from silent observer to expressive creator, Tal’s journey reminds us that greatness often comes not from noise, but from listening deeply to the voice within.
In an era of overproduced pop stories and flashy biopics, this promises to be something entirely different: a gentle storm of reflection, truth, and unfiltered sound. For anyone who has ever felt like an outsider—or anyone who has ever fallen in love with a single bassline—this film is essential viewing.
