I Watched ‘Framing Britney Spears’ & Still Have So Many Questions

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Published Feb 8, 2021

This is a PSA to watch Framing Britney Spears ASAP (if you haven’t already).

It’s important to note that I wasn’t completely sold by the #FreeBritney movement prior to streaming the Hulu documentary. Did I think Britney Spears had changed since her “Baby One More Time” days? Absolutely. But did I think she was being held against her will? Not entirely, especially since I’m an avid follower of her Instagram account, where she regularly posts seemingly happy dancing videos, workout clips and selfies.

That being said, I went into Framing Britney Spears with an open mind, hoping it would educate me about where the #FreeBritney movement originated and why it’s become so popular. Not only did the documentary do just that, but it also opened my eyes to the years-long court battle between Spears and her dad, Jamie, who controls his daughter’s estate, finances and life.

So, what is Framing Britney Spears about? The New York Times-produced documentary offers a glimpse into Spears’s infamous conservatorship. (Basically, it’s when a guardian is appointed by a judge because the “conservatee” is unable to manage their own affairs.)

In order to fully understand the court’s ruling, the filmmakers walk viewers through Spears’s successful career, highlighting her independence and creativity that was often overshadowed by gossip. It also provides insight into her public breakdown, which was partially due to constant badgering by the media and paparazzi.

The second half of Framing Britney Spears offers an intriguing look at the conservatorship. Featuring interviews with lawyers, experts and longtime friends of Spears, the installment helps answer three burning questions: Does the conservatorship benefit Spears? (Not really.) Does she approve of it? (No.) And lastly, does she even need a conservator? (Again, all signs point to no.)

As someone who grew up idolizing the “Toxic” singer, Framing Britney Spears pulled at my heartstrings in a way that has consumed my thoughts since it concluded—and it left me with even more unanswered questions. For example, does the documentary accurately reflect her struggle? Will Spears speak out about her experience? And finally, will she ever break free of her father’s control?

Whether you get caught up in the nostalgia or the theories about her cryptic Instagram account, Framing Britney Spears is a must-watch for anyone who wants to be reminded why the world fell in love with Spears in the first place.

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Greta Heggeness

Senior Editor

Greta Heggeness is a California-based editor at PureWow and has been writing about entertainment since 2015. She covers everything from awards shows to exclusive celebrity...

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