Robin’s Wish is certainly not another broad assemblage of Robin’s greatest hits (and there are many), but an intimate and sympathetic look at the late actor at the most painful moments of his life.

On August 11, 2014, news reports broke the tragic news that the beloved comedian and actor, Robin Williams, had died. Major media outlets had globbed on to the news that he had taken his own life, leading to an incredible amount of press that stunned the world.

It was unthinkable to feel why Robin Williams would have taken his life, and people soon started to ask questions. People wondered if a years-long battle with drug abuse contributed if deep depression played a part (and the media spun up endless more stories). But a new documentary, Robin’s Wish, looks to clarify the reason for Robin’s death.

Although Robin Williams had unmatchable performance energy–a tornado of improvisational comedy–offstage, and offscreen, he was incredibly private. His secrecy extended through the end of his life when the actor (as the documentary shows) began to suffer from debilitating bodily ailments, such as forgetfulness, paranoia, and emotional instability, which would be known as Lewy Body Dementia, but not by the actor. 

It’s sad when we learn anyone experiences conditions of this kind; it’s collectively worse when that person was one of the most celebrated performers of all time. In Robin’s Wish, the harrowing, saddening experience is recounted firsthand by his widow, Susan Schneider, who illuminates and shares this all. 

Robin’s Wish is certainly not another broad assemblage of Robin’s greatest hits (and there are many), but an intimate and sympathetic look at the late actor at the most painful moments of his life. With unseen footage of Robin from Marin County, including his home, as well as interviews with neighbors and friends. An additional moment includes Shawn Levy, who recounts for the first time the struggles that Robin endured on the final Night at the Museum movie, with great reverence and respect.

Robin’s Wish is a very rewarding watch, if only to learn about the disease that would overtake his body and see the pain that he had hidden away from the public. It’s tough to hear some of these moments, but it makes what he was able to accomplish all the more incredible.

Distributed by Vertical Entertainment, Robin’s Wish is now available On Demand and Digital.