On the very first day of filming Sr., the new documentary about the life of maverick filmmaker and actor Robert Downey Sr., director Chris Smith (Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond, American Movie) received some thoughtful words from the subject himself. “Trust anything, and anything can happen,” Downey Sr. said. Smith described the sage advice as the “guiding light” for the project, which has been acquired by Netflix following its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival. Sr. will be available on Netflix before the end of the year. 

“Knowing what I know now,” Smith said in a statement, “it’s really the only way you could attempt to make something on the two Downeys. Larger than life, but open and human as ever, it was such a pleasure and life-affirming experience to capture some glimpses of the highs, lows and everything in between.”

The film explores Downey Sr.’s life and work, including his influential 1969 satirical comedy, Putney Swope. The documentary also unpacks personal themes ranging from creativity and mortality to fatherhood and generational trauma. Downey Sr.’s relationship with his son, Robert Downey Jr., is a prominent part of the story. Downey Jr. produced the film alongside Susan Downey, Emily Barclay Ford and Kevin Ford. Ahead of its Netflix release, Sr. will next screen at the New York Film Festival on Oct. 10 and 11.