Luther: Never Too Much

Luther: Never Too Much is a 2024 American documentary film written and directed by Dawn Porter, who also serves as an executive producer. It chronicles the life and career of R&B icon Luther Vandross, who died in 2005. The film premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2024 and received positive critical reception.

Synopsis
The film follows Luther Vandross' nearly 40 years in the entertainment industry and highlights his career highs as well as battles with negative media attention focused on his weight and sexuality. Footage from his performances and archived interviews, as well as interviews with his associates are included. The film's subtitle is taken from one of Vandross' best known songs.

Production
Trish D Chetty and Ged Doherty began developing a film focused on Luther Vandross in 2018 through Raindog Films. Director Dawn Porter's production company Trilogy Films joined in 2022. Raindog Films acquired the rights to produce from Vandross' estate. The score was composed by Robert Glasper. Jamie Foxx, Datari Turner, and Jon Platt are executive producers.

Release
Luther: Never Too Much premiered at Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2024. In May, CNN Films and the Oprah Winfrey Network acquired distribution rights to the documentary, planning to air it on CNN, OWN and Max sometime in 2025.

Reception
Luther: Never Too Much received positive reception. The film received a 95% on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. Valerie Complex praised director Dawn Porter in a Deadline review, "Porter constructs a portrait that strikes a delicate, graceful balance...For audiences lacking familiarity, Porter makes a case to appreciate Vandross’ contributions to music, and to culture. And for longtime fans, she has crafted an ode befitting our nostalgia while challenging any and all assumptions." Variety writer Todd Gilchrist complimented the inclusion of Vandross's music in Luther: "Porter skillfully emphasizes just how much material he left behind, and offers generous enough snippets of it that her film feels simultaneously like biography and a musical anthology, a primer and invitation to explore him further." Lovia Gyarke referred to the film as "essential viewing" in The Hollywood Reporter.

Awards and nominations

 * 2024 – Winner, Sarasota Film Festival, Industry Audience Award