Netflix has officially released the gripping trailer for its much-anticipated biopic Undertow: The Spiral of TOOL, sending a surge of excitement through fans of the legendary American rock band.
Formed in Los Angeles in 1990, TOOL carved out a place in music history with their unconventional sound, haunting visuals, and deep philosophical lyrics. The band’s journey, marked by evolution, experimentation, and mystery, is now set to be explored like never before on screen.
The film follows the lives and creative tensions of the band’s iconic members — vocalist Maynard James Keenan, guitarist Adam Jones, drummer Danny Carey, and bassist Justin Chancellor, who joined the band in 1995 after founding member Paul D’Amour departed. Through dramatized sequences, rare interviews, and immersive visuals, Undertow: The Spiral of TOOL offers a layered portrait of the musicians whose influence extends far beyond rock into art, film, and spirituality.
The trailer teases moody cinematography, surreal dream-like sequences, and explosive live performances — perfectly reflecting TOOL’s complex aesthetic. One moment features Keenan in a shadowy desert setting, while another cuts to an intense rehearsal session that captures the raw energy of the band. These visuals are underscored by haunting reinterpretations of TOOL’s classic tracks like “Sober” and “Stinkfist,” hinting at a film that’s just as much a sensory experience as it is a biographical narrative.
What sets this film apart is its philosophical spine. The narrative reportedly delves into the band’s fascination with sacred geometry, Carl Jung, psychedelia, and the human subconscious — themes that have long been embedded in their lyrics and album artwork. Netflix’s collaboration with visual artists and former collaborators of the band ensures the film stays true to TOOL’s abstract and thought-provoking identity.
Fans and critics alike are already praising Netflix’s bold approach in bringing such an enigmatic band to life. While many rock biopics tend to focus solely on fame and drama, Undertow: The Spiral of TOOL promises a deeper dive — one that examines the psychological and emotional undercurrents of each band member, particularly the enigmatic Maynard James Keenan, known for his elusive persona and philosophical musings.
As anticipation builds ahead of the film’s official release, TOOL’s legacy is once again in the spotlight — a legacy built not on chart-topping hits alone, but on an uncompromising commitment to artistic authenticity. Undertow: The Spiral of TOOL arrives as more than just a rock documentary; it is a cinematic invitation into the shadows, visions, and sonic labyrinths that have defined one of modern rock’s most mysterious and revered acts.
