The highly anticipated world premiere of Elton John: Never Too Late took place at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on Friday night, drawing a glamorous and star-studded crowd. Among the sea of excitement, TIFF’s CEO Cameron Bailey kicked off the evening with a humorous and fitting question for the stylish event, “I have one question… who is wearing sequins?” It was a lighthearted nod to Elton John’s iconic and flamboyant style, which has included countless bedazzled and sequin-covered outfits throughout his five-decade career.
But beyond the glitz and glamor of his rockstar image, the legendary singer-songwriter revealed a more personal side of his life and legacy. As the night unfolded, Elton John, one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, got candid with the audience about what truly matters to him at this stage in his life. In an emotional speech to fans and guests at the packed Roy Thomson Hall, John made it clear that despite his vast career achievements, family means more to him than any accolade. “On my tombstone, I don’t want it to say he sold a million records. I want it to say he was a great dad and a great husband,” he shared, visibly moved.
A Journey Through Elton John’s Extraordinary Life: Never Too Late
The documentary Never Too Late offers an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at Elton John’s extraordinary life. The film, which is co-directed by John’s husband David Furnish and renowned filmmaker R.J. Cutler, takes viewers on a journey that spans over 50 years of John’s career. It is bookended by two of his most iconic performances at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles: his 1975 concert, attended by over 100,000 fans, and his 2022 farewell concert, marking his final North American performance on the “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour.
The documentary does not shy away from the highs and lows of John’s career, offering an intimate portrait of both his professional successes and personal struggles. Through a mix of archival footage and new interviews, the film covers John’s rise to stardom, his battles with addiction, and his experiences with love, loss, and redemption. Never Too Late gives fans a raw and unfiltered look at the man behind the legend, painting a full picture of his journey from a young boy with a dream to one of the most influential musicians in history.
One of the key elements of the film is its focus on John’s relationship with his husband, David Furnish, and their two children, Zachary and Elijah. Throughout the documentary, it becomes clear that family is at the heart of John’s life today. “The thing I love about this movie is that I have [David] and my two sons,” John said during the Q&A following the premiere, his voice filled with emotion. “I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved, but this is what matters most to me.”
While Elton John’s legacy as a music icon is undeniable, his role as a father and husband is what he cherishes the most. “I hope to keep making music, but I want to be home and treasure them,” John added, fighting back tears. “Having a No. 1 album is really nice for five minutes, but this is a lifetime.” At 77 years old, John is now in a reflective phase of his life, looking back on both the triumphs and challenges he has faced. He also acknowledged the toll of time, humorously mentioning, “I’m having the best time of my life – except for this eye,” referring to a recent health issue.
Elton John’s Health Struggles and Humor
Earlier in the week, John had revealed that he was recovering from a “severe eye infection” that had temporarily left him with limited vision. During the premiere, he lightened the mood by joking about his condition, quipping, “I wish I could see you, but I can’t.” Despite the health setback, John’s trademark wit and charm were still very much on display, and his humor resonated with the audience.
As the evening progressed, John demonstrated his ability to captivate an audience, even when not performing. His entrance alone was classic Elton, as he arrived on the red carpet in style—riding on the back of a purple-and-gold cart, exuding the boldness and flamboyance that fans have come to love. Inside the auditorium, the atmosphere was electric, with enthusiastic festival-goers showing their admiration for John and his work. Cheers and applause erupted several times throughout the screening of Never Too Late, and the night culminated in a standing ovation as John took the stage for a brief Q&A session with the audience.
A Subtle Political Statement and John’s American Connections
During the Q&A, John took a moment to share his thoughts on kindness and its importance in today’s world, making a subtle dig at former U.S. President Donald Trump. “Kindness will always win out… that’s what I hope for the American election in November,” John said, referencing the upcoming U.S. elections and perhaps hinting at his support for more compassionate leadership. This statement comes after John received the National Humanities Medal in 2022 from U.S. President Joe Biden, recognizing his contributions to music, culture, and humanitarian efforts.
While the film’s focus is largely on John’s personal and musical journey, the singer also took the opportunity to share some insights into his love for cinema. As a film buff himself, John revealed that one of the movies that has stayed with him over the years is the 1989 classic Field of Dreams, a film that he described as deeply touching because of its father-son relationship. Additionally, John named The Godfather Part II as his favorite film of all time, cementing his appreciation for powerful and emotional storytelling.
A Deep Dive into Elton John’s Personal Struggles and Relationships
One of the most poignant aspects of Never Too Late is its exploration of Elton John’s personal battles and his relationships with those closest to him. The film delves into the abuse John endured as a child at the hands of his parents, a difficult topic that John has spoken about in the past. It also chronicles his tumultuous relationship with his first love and former manager, John Reid, who played a significant role in John’s early career but with whom he had a complicated and, at times, destructive relationship.
In addition to these deeply personal stories, Never Too Late covers John’s decades-long friendship with John Lennon, offering a glimpse into the special bond the two shared. The documentary includes extensive footage from their legendary 1974 concert at Madison Square Garden, where Lennon made a surprise appearance, creating one of the most memorable moments in music history. The film showcases the highs and lows of Elton John’s life, from his struggles with addiction to his journey toward sobriety, painting a full picture of a man who has lived through it all.
The Emotional Heart of Never Too Late
For co-director David Furnish, the documentary is not just a celebration of Elton John’s career but also a deeply personal project. As John’s husband and the father of their two children, Furnish has had a front-row seat to John’s transformation over the years. “It’s a beautiful narrative arc,” Furnish said. “You can have all the success in the world, but it means nothing until you have love.” This sentiment lies at the heart of Never Too Late, which focuses on the idea that true happiness comes from personal connections, not fame or fortune.
While Furnish played a key role in shaping the film, he admitted that his personal connection to the subject made it difficult for him to maintain objectivity. As a result, he let his co-director, R.J. Cutler, take the lead in many aspects of the project. “I’m incredibly close to the subject and therefore a little biased, so I let [Cutler] take the lead [on directing],” Furnish explained.
For Cutler, directing a documentary about Elton John was a dream come true. He revealed that his first Elton John concert was back in 1975 when he was just 13 years old. “I had to commit forgery and grand larceny to get a ticket,” Cutler joked during the Q&A, “and it was worth it.” His personal connection to John’s music adds an extra layer of authenticity and passion to the documentary.
A Legacy of Love and Music
As Never Too Late makes its mark at the Toronto International Film Festival, it’s clear that the film is more than just a look at the career of a rockstar. It’s a tribute to the man behind the music, his struggles, his triumphs, and most importantly, his capacity for love. Whether reflecting on his journey as a musician or his role as a father and husband, Elton John continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
With a career that has spanned over five decades, John’s legacy as one of the greatest musicians of all time is firmly established. Yet, as Never Too Late shows, the most important chapters of his life are the ones filled with love, family, and the personal connections that have shaped him. As the festival-goers gave one final round of applause, it was clear that Never Too Late isn’t just about Elton John’s music—it’s about the incredible life he has lived and the love he has found along the way.
