Netflix has announced the upcoming release of a new documentary titled Message in a Bottle, chronicling the rise, reign, and legacy of the legendary English rock band, The Police. Set to premiere on November 20, 2025, the documentary promises to offer fans a comprehensive and intimate look into the journey of the trio that defined an era: Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland. The film is expected to blend narrative storytelling with archival footage to showcase the band’s influence on music, culture, and activism.
Message in a Bottle will feature exclusive interviews with the band members, along with appearances from notable actors and musicians such as Ewan McGregor, Tom Hiddleston, and Florence Welch, who will contribute voiceovers and commentary on The Police’s cultural footprint. The documentary also includes rare behind-the-scenes clips, early tour footage, and interviews with producers and contemporaries who witnessed the band’s meteoric rise in the late 1970s and early ’80s.
Formed in London in 1977, The Police fused punk energy with reggae rhythms and jazz influences, achieving massive global success. The film explores the band’s dynamic chemistry, creative clashes, and the evolution of their sound through chart-topping albums like Zenyatta Mondatta, Ghost in the Machine, and the iconic Synchronicity. Fans will gain insight into the stories behind hits like Roxanne, Every Breath You Take, and Don’t Stand So Close to Me.
One of the standout features of Message in a Bottle is its deep dive into the individual personalities that made up the group. Sting’s lyrical depth and solo ambitions, Summers’ innovative guitar work, and Copeland’s rhythmic complexity are each given detailed attention. The film doesn’t shy away from the creative tensions that eventually led to their breakup in 1986, offering a nuanced portrayal of the band’s internal dynamics.
The documentary’s soundtrack will include remastered versions of the band’s classic hits along with unreleased live performances and alternate takes. In addition, modern artists influenced by The Police—such as Harry Styles, Hozier, and Lorde—will contribute tribute performances and reflect on how the band’s sound helped shape their own musical paths.
Themes of artistic integrity, global stardom, and political consciousness weave throughout the film. Message in a Bottle captures how The Police used their platform to address social issues while simultaneously navigating the pressure of fame. The documentary also explores the band’s unexpected reunion tour in 2007, which reminded the world of their continued relevance and enduring legacy.
As anticipation builds toward the release date, Message in a Bottle is already creating waves across social media and music circles. With its compelling storytelling, cinematic presentation, and reverence for musical history, the documentary is poised to captivate both lifelong fans and a new generation discovering the brilliance of The Police for the first time.
