Depeche Mode‘s ‘M’ Concert Film Captures a Legacy Forged in Darkness and Celebration

A compelling new concert film, Depeche Mode: M, directed by Fernando Frias, is arriving in cinemas on October 28, 29, and 30, 2025. The film transcends the typical concert experience, offering a profound exploration of the band’s enduring appeal and the shadow of recent loss.

A Tribute Amidst Grief

The film centers around footage from a series of sold-out concerts in mexico City in 2023, part of their Memento Mori tour, coinciding with the release of their 15th album. This tour carries a poignant weight,acknowledging the passing of founding member David Fletcher,affectionately known as “Fletch,” who died unexpectedly in 2022. his absence is deeply felt, yet the performance stands as a testament to the band’s resilience.

The Dynamic Duo: Gahan and gore

The film showcases the captivating dynamic between Dave Gahan, the 63-year-old frontman, and Martin gore, the 64-year-old multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. Gahan embodies a commanding stage presence, while gore provides a complementary, frequently enough ethereal, counterpoint. This interplay, honed over decades, remains the core of Depeche Mode’s enduring power.

A Cinematic Experience

Depeche Mode: M doesn’t simply record a concert; it constructs a cinematic narrative. The film interweaves concert footage with documentary elements, including striking imagery of Mexican cultural practices related to remembrance and sacrifice. This juxtaposition deepens the film’s thematic resonance, exploring the relationship between art, mortality, and celebration.

Memento Mori: A Tour Rooted in Remembrance

The Memento Mori tour, and the film it has spawned, is deeply rooted in the concept of “remembering death,” a philosophical idea central to many cultures. The director skillfully uses visual motifs, like imagery of skulls and offerings, to connect this theme to the vibrant cultural landscape of Mexico City.The Foro Sol stadium, the venue for these momentous concerts, is presented as a modern-day temple, hosting a unique sonic and visual ritual.

A Setlist Through the Ages

The film features a powerful setlist, spanning Depeche Mode’s extensive catalog. Key tracks such as “My Cosmos is Mine,” “Everything Counts,” “My Favorite Stranger,” and, of course, “Personal Jesus” are showcased. These songs, many of which have withstood the test of time, demonstrate the band’s consistent ability to connect with audiences across generations.

Visual Storytelling and Artistic Fusion

Director Frias enriches the concert footage with contributions from visual artist Joshua Ellingson, who creates striking installations from recycled technology. These visual flourishes add another layer of depth, engaging the audience through a blend of raw performance and artistic symbolism. The film’s aesthetic complements the band’s music, amplifying its inherent theatricality.

Upcoming Releases

Fans will have the possibility to further immerse themselves in the Memento mori experience with the release of a concert film box set (available in 2DVD and 2Blu-ray versions) and a live album, MEMENTO MORI: MEXICO CITY, on December 5th. The album will be offered in 2CD and 4LP formats, including three different colors, and will feature four previously unreleased tracks, including “In the End.”

What are your favorite Depeche mode songs, and how do you think the loss of Fletch will impact the band’s future sound? Share your thoughts in the comments below!