Mr. Scorsese is an upcoming five-part documentary miniseries from director Rebecca Miller, premiering October 17 on Apple TV+. The series offers an intimate look at the life and legacy of Martin Scorsese through exclusive interviews with the legendary filmmaker, unprecedented access to his personal archives, and conversations with longtime collaborators and admirers—including Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie, Daniel Day-Lewis, Steven Spielberg, and more.

As much as I try to be objective, The Departed might just be my favorite Scorsese film. It’s the one I return to the most. Sure, it won him his long-overdue Best Director Oscar and took home Best Picture—but many fans and critics still argue it’s not his best work. And honestly, they have a point. Scorsese’s filmography is stacked with masterpieces across multiple genres. While he’s often associated with gangster films, his range extends far beyond that, and several of his non-crime films rank among my all-time favorites.

He’s easily in my top 10 directors of all time. So when I got access to an early screening of Mr. Scorsese, I dropped everything to watch it. The series is compelling, insightful, and another strong reason why Apple TV+ continues to be a must-have for film lovers.

At 82 years old, Martin Scorsese has directed 27 narrative films over the course of more than five decades. Lately, there’s been a lot of speculation about what his next project might be—and honestly, every rumored idea sounds incredible. At this point in his career, Scorsese can pretty much make whatever he wants. Studios are more than willing to give him sizable budgets, and the critical prestige his name brings virtually guarantees support for any project he chooses.

That said, as he gets older, it’s understandable that he’d want to be more selective. It’s not just about getting something made—it’s about getting it made right. And while his work is widely celebrated today, this new series reminds us that success didn’t come overnight. Mr. Scorsese takes us all the way back to the beginning of his life and career, offering a powerful look at the long road he’s traveled.

If you’re a Scorsese fan like I am—or just a lover of cinema—it’s easy to get drawn in by seeing where it all began. Director Rebecca Miller brings a delicate, thoughtful approach to the series. Her interviews with Scorsese, his family, longtime collaborators, and fellow filmmakers feel intimate and revealing. She has a soft touch that draws out meaningful stories without ever pushing too hard.

I didn’t realize until after watching that Miller is married to Daniel Day-Lewis. Given that Day-Lewis has worked with Scorsese, their connection makes sense—but ultimately, it speaks to Miller’s skill as a filmmaker in her own right. She creates an environment of trust that allows everyone involved to open up, and the result is a documentary that feels as personal as it is cinematic.

The series opens with Scorsese recalling one of his earliest memories—as a baby—immediately showcasing the sharpness of his mind and attention to detail. It’s a fitting introduction for someone so deeply attuned to storytelling and nuance, and a clear reflection of what makes him such a remarkable director. From there, we’re taken through his time at New York University, where we learn about his studies and the mentors who helped shape his creative voice.

While Scorsese is often associated with the gangster genre, the series makes it clear that his true interest lies in exploring complex characters, regardless of the setting. His filmography, when viewed as a whole, reflects a deep fascination with morality, identity, and personal struggle far more than any single genre.

Mr. Scorsese offers thoughtful insight from a wide range of voices—collaborators, family members, and fellow filmmakers. It was fascinating to see how his relationship with Robert De Niro began, and the series also sheds light on his ongoing creative partnership with Leonardo DiCaprio, which I’d always been curious about. I’m also familiar with his daughter Francesca’s recent work, especially through their lighthearted dynamic on TikTok, so it was nice to see that side of him included. For a filmmaker known for dark, intense stories, it’s a bit surprising—and genuinely heartwarming—to see how caring and gentle he is in his personal life.

Originally conceived as a feature-length film, the project eventually evolved into a five-part series due to the sheer volume of material Rebecca Miller and her team captured—and honestly, it could have gone on even longer. While we do get plenty of fascinating insights into Scorsese’s life and work, it sometimes feels like just as things get truly compelling, the series quickly moves on to the next subject to stay on schedule. That said, it’s still incredibly easy to get drawn in. The pacing is so well-executed that I found myself hooked from beginning to end.

That brings me to the finale, which really underscores why the series could have used more time. Just as Scorsese begins production on Killers of the Flower Moon, the story abruptly wraps up. If this had been released before that film, it might have felt like a natural stopping point. But knowing how much he still has in the works, I couldn’t help but want more—more insight into his current creative process and what the future holds for one of cinema’s greatest living directors.

Overall, Mr. Scorsese is a powerful showcase of one of cinema’s most celebrated and respected filmmakers. It’s remarkable to witness how consistently sharp and passionate Scorsese has remained throughout his decades-long career. Rebecca Miller skillfully balances intimate glimpses into his personal life with thoughtful storytelling that draws out meaningful insights at every turn. While there’s certainly a case to be made for an even longer, more detailed series, what we get is still rich, engaging, and deeply compelling. For fans and cinephiles alike, this is essential viewing when it premieres on Apple TV+ on October 17.

VERDICT: 4/5 – Great