Netflix Presents: “RUSH x Anika Nilles – The Rhythm Within”
Netflix has announced an electrifying new music documentary, RUSH x Anika Nilles – The Rhythm Within, set to premiere worldwide this December. The film dives deep into the art of drumming, rhythm, and creative collaboration — bringing together two powerhouse forces: the legendary Canadian rock band Rush and modern drumming virtuoso Anika Nilles. The collaboration celebrates not just technical mastery, but also the spiritual connection between musicians across generations.
A Meeting of Rhythmic Minds
Few names carry the weight in rock drumming that Neil Peart does. Though the iconic Rush drummer passed away in 2020, The Rhythm Within serves as both tribute and continuation of his rhythmic legacy. The project began when surviving Rush members, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, invited Anika Nilles to reinterpret classic Rush compositions — not as covers, but as rhythmic reinventions.
Nilles, known for her stunning precision and emotive groove, brings a fresh sensibility to songs like “Tom Sawyer”, “YYZ”, and “La Villa Strangiato.” With a mix of jazz-inspired phrasing, intricate polyrhythms, and electronic textures, she manages to honor Peart’s complexity while injecting her own voice into the narrative.
“Rush was never just about notes — it was about storytelling through sound,” Nilles says in the trailer. “Neil didn’t play drums; he spoke through them. My goal was to listen to that voice and continue the conversation.”
Behind the Beat: The Making of The Rhythm Within
Filmed over 18 months across Canada, Germany, and Los Angeles, the documentary explores the meticulous process of blending analog musicianship with modern rhythmic exploration. Viewers get a rare behind-the-scenes look at Nilles in the studio with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson as they deconstruct and rebuild Rush classics.
Director Sam Dunn, known for his work on Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey and Beyond the Lighted Stage, returns to capture the emotional resonance of the band’s enduring influence. Dunn describes the project as “a cinematic rhythm journey — less about rock fame, more about human connection through sound.”
The film also includes never-before-seen archival footage of Neil Peart during the Clockwork Angels era, offering glimpses into his creative philosophy and his relentless pursuit of perfection.
More Than Music: The Philosophy of Rhythm
At its heart, The Rhythm Within transcends the realm of drumming. It’s an exploration of how rhythm shapes identity, memory, and emotion. Interviews with neuroscientists, percussionists, and music historians unpack how rhythm interacts with the brain — why a Rush groove can trigger nostalgia or why a simple backbeat can feel spiritual.
“Rhythm is universal,” says Lifeson in one segment. “It connects everything — time, emotion, even silence. This film shows that.”
A New Era for Rush Fans
While fans have long debated whether Rush would ever perform again, The Rhythm Within offers something even more profound: evolution. Rather than replacing Neil Peart, the film positions Anika Nilles as a bridge — honoring what came before while pushing rhythm into new territory.
A companion album, “RUSH x Anika Nilles: Reimagined Grooves,” will be released alongside the documentary. The record features rearranged versions of Rush’s most iconic tracks with fresh rhythmic interpretations and guest appearances from drummers around the world.
Premiere and Global Release
Netflix confirmed that RUSH x Anika Nilles – The Rhythm Within will premiere on December 15, 2025, with a limited theatrical run in select IMAX venues. The premiere will include a live Q&A with Anika Nilles and Alex Lifeson, streamed globally for fans.
Early previews suggest that the film could be one of the most powerful music documentaries in recent memory — not just for Rush devotees, but for anyone who’s ever felt the pull of rhythm deep within their soul.
As the closing line of the trailer declares:
“The beat never dies. It just finds a new voice.”
