Few Hollywood stories carry the mystique and intrigue of the life and death of Natalie Wood. And in the new documentary, “Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind,” some of the legendary star’s friends and family, including daughter Natasha Gregson Wagner, discuss her life, her mysterious death, and the legacy she left behind.
As seen in the trailer, ‘What Remains Behind’ leaves no stone unturned in its retelling of Wood’s life. From starring in films such as “Rebel Without a Cause,” “The Searchers,” and “West Side Story” to her tumultuous personal life and her death, the documentary not only celebrates the Hollywood icon but also shows her humanity, which has seemingly been overshadowed by the more salacious details.
And because every documentary has to have a true-crime angle, it’s clear that ‘What Remains Behind’ will also touch on the death of Wood, who reportedly drowned decades ago. Though investigations have been ongoing, there has been no definitive reason given for why the actress died the way she did, leading to hints that maybe the doc will explore possible alternative explanations, including theories surrounding her husband Robert Wagner.
The doc is directed by Laurent Bouzereau, who is no stranger to Hollywood-focused features. His previous films include documentaries about filmmakers such as Roman Polanski, Steven Spielberg, Richard D. Zanuck, and more.
“Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind” premieres on HBO on May 5.
Here’s the synopsis:
Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind is an intimate portrait of actor Natalie Wood’s life and career, told through the eyes of her daughter Natasha Gregson Wagner and others who knew her best. The film celebrates the woman behind the iconic imagery and explores the compelling details of Wood’s personal life and illustrious career that are often overshadowed by her tragic death.