Documentaries shine a light on often overlooked or confusing phenomena. The best documentaries, however, remind audiences of the humanity that lies before them. Be it on the small screen, the movie screen, or beyond the screen, the directors and the focus of the film band together and forge authentic connections that highlight innate and developed attributes of humankind. In doing so, audiences get a closer look at the good, the bad, and the ugly, offering a holistic approach to capturing the story.
These select 2024 films have an array of subjects, from various walks of life, that grace the screens with a universal strength and vulnerability, one that everyone can tap into. Furthermore, the documentaries in question all have a common strength. Their focus ebbs and flows, collecting nuanced arguments and moments of tenacity, resulting in enthralling stories that hit close to home. With streaming as a new arena, platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, and Max offer directors new terrain for their bold collections of stories to sprout.
15 'Happy Campers'
Happy Campers focuses on a group of families living and visiting the Inlet View Campground, off the coast of Virginia. Documenting the lives of the people who both live and visit the trailer park, the film is both wholesome and sorrowful. Between scenes of beautiful bands of souls enjoying the various activities and resources available and somber moments of recollection, the film is a touching look at the genuine and transformative joy that comes with building community, and the ever-haunting threat of capitalism to said community.
Happy Campers does more than simply chronicle the lives of the various folks planting roots in the Inlet View Campground. Through the testimonials of the residents and visitors, as well as the slice-of-lie approach at capturing their shared celebrations and whimsical adventures, the film accentuates growing concerns of capitalism's relentless greed and its threat to try and eradicate natural conventions for innate human connection. Despite the film documenting their last summer together, the countless stories and memories preserved result in a victory of sorts that should not be overlooked.
14 'Swan Song'
Swan Song visits ballet icon Karen Kain on the eve of her retirement. Slipping and sliding between intimate moments in her life and her role in preparing for the National Ballet of Cana's performance of the classic Swan Lake. While introduced through Kain, audiences also get to dive into the lives of the various members of the production, getting a glimpse into one of the many examples of formed families that exist in the world of entertainment and beyond.
An Immersive and Intimate Exploration of Ballet
What makes Swan Song compelling to sit through the production and witness a balance between dark and delightful is its refusal to shy away from the world of ballet in its totality. Impacted by various traditions, for better or for worse, the film excels in highlighting the labor and trust that goes into putting on a phenomenal stage performance.
Nevertheless, the struggle and triumphs displayed do not exist in a vacuum and the film does its best to ensure audiences that the lives that unfold before them are shaped by their complex connections to ballet, their reaction to global developments, and the relationship they have with their own pain, all informing the success of Swan Lake.
13 'In the Rearview'
In the Rearview captures one of the many calamities taking place. Focused on a van that transports Ukrainian refugees hoping to flee the current Russian invasion of Ukraine, the film morphs the van into a symbol of hope, even during moments when the vehicle seems unstable and the vision of escaping seems bleak. Upon its release, the film would be welcomed with warm arms by critics who valued director Maciek Hamela's creativity in capturing such a harrowing moment in people's lives.
The Cruel Effects of War Captured on Film
The film not only benefits from having on-the-ground coverage but reiterates a valid point about war itself. While powers small and large see land, and the people within it, as pawns or property, In the Rearview is a heartbreaking reminder of the casual dehumanization that occurs. Placing the camera on the passengers themselves, the film places audiences directly in front of the passengers who retell moments of their lives prior to the invasion and the resounding effects of the conflict.
With atrocities continuing in countries like Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and Congo, In the Rearview is a powerful film that puts the callousness of humanity on display.
12 'Look Into My Eyes'
Centered around psychics based in New York City, Look Into My Eyes captures an odd yet tragically universal feeling of loneliness, misery, and empathy in the midst of despair. Director Lana Wilson opens the film with the testament of a woman grieving the loss of a young girl, a sorrow that has continued to follow her for over two decades. It is then that the film highlights more psychics and clients alike, tapping into the doleful aspects of their respective lives.
A Cycle of Healing Explained
What makes Look Into My Eyes particularly engaging is that it dispels myths surrounding the imagined healer-patient binary. While many clients seek psychics for assistance in their personal lives, the aforementioned psychics also go through their own trials and tribulations, and they similarly receive the same attention and grace as their counterparts. The mystifying clairvoyance is treated with respect by the filmmakers, capturing just how healing the process, the connection with another human itself, can be for both the client and the psychics.
11 'Queendom'
Queendom gazes into the life of non-binary drag artist Gena Marvin. At the time of the film, Marvin relies on her radical public performances to resist Russia's anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Much like most forms of activism, especially activism that challenges the state and its oppressive systems, Gena finds herself targeted by the government. Much of the film sits in the stress, but also the joy and exuberance that Marvin exudes as she makes the most of her freedom of expression.
A Decorative Display of Affirmation
Over the span of four years, Queendom finds Marvin relying on flamboyance and performance to illustrate just how paranoid and dangerous institutionalized homophobia is. Any accusation of her performance being a mere spectacle is shattered once viewers get a glance into Marvin's thought-process and input. Queendom is one of the many examples of art as a pathway towards liberation and Gena Marvin's tenacity is nothing but stellar to witness and empathize with.
10 'The Sixth'
The Sixth follows the events of the January 6 attacks on the US Capitol from various vantage points. Between capturing unseen footage from the day and accounts from various personnel that were present. Initially pitched as a documentation of the transition of power between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, the direction changed course following the attempted coup that followed.
Understandably controversial, the film includes insight from US Representative Jamie Raskin, Officer Daniel Hodges, and former Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, Robert Contee, all recounting the events that led up to the attack on the Capitol.
A Startling Reflection of a Grim Reality
Despite some attempts to overlook what transpired on January 6th, the film illustrates the inaction, disinformation, and hatred that fueled the flames that disturbed the world that day. Furthermore, the wide array of accounts from those present offer history and audiences alike with reliable information and earnest reactions to the discord that ensured, emphasizing just how detrimental it was to the veneer of American democracy.
9 'The Grab'
Directed and produced by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, The Grab follows a series of investigative journalists examining efforts made by foreign entities to control food and water resources. On behalf of The Center for Investigative Reporting, the journalists discover plots arranged by powers like the United States, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and China, as well as private military contractors like Blackwater (now named Academi) to further exploit vulnerable populations and their natural food resources.
The saying "follow the money" echoes throughout the film, and once the group finds the responsible parties at the end of the money trail, their realization highlights a trend of modern exploitation gone overlooked.
The Road to Wealth, Paved With Bones and Blood
A fascinating look into neocolonialism and climate change, the film strongly illustrates how major powers rely on exploitation for solutions to predicaments created by exploitation. Whether it be American involvement in continents like Africa or Saudi land holdings in Arizona, the film goes to great lengths in exploring these various entities and their "ends justify the means" approach to dealing with climate change. Displaying the hypocrisy of said train of thought with a unique attention to detail, The Grab feels like a promising beginning to a long-awaited interrogation.
8 'How to Come Alive With Norman Mailer'
How to Come Alive With Norman Mailer finds director Jeff Zimbalist diving into the life of controversial writer and activist Norman Mailer. Divided into seven chapters, the film makes use of contributions from some of Mailer's ex-wives, children, and celebrity peers, like Gloria Steinem and John Waters. Spanning wide and touching on his intelligence, his arrogance, and his violent streak, How to Come Alive With Norman Mailer sits as a complex, daunting, and enthralling exploration into the aforementioned writer's influence on modern literature, web of connections, and his various pitfalls.
An Illuminating Unearthing of an Enigmatic Thinker
Earning rave reviews upon release, How to Come Alive WIth Norman Mailer manages to make the most out of covering such a devious subject. Never shying away from his misogyny, the film works just as well as a look into his upbringing as much as it is a quiet condemnation of the culture that allowed him to thrive while he actively harmed those around him. Much like contemporary conversations about Agatha Christie, the film begs the question if one truly can separate the art from the artist, and does so in quite a fascinating manner.
7 'Happy Clothes: A Film About Patricia Field'
Happy Clothes: A Film About Patricia Field covers the life of the aforementioned fashion icon and her contributions to both wider pop culture as well as queer culture. Known for her work on shows like Sex and the City, the film includes guests such as cast members Kim Cattrall and Sarah Jessica Parker, who both share with audiences some of the more memorable and transformative moments shared with Field.
Despite the rampant homophobia that continues to threaten the lives of queer folk each and every day, the film positions Field as the trailblazer she is for bringing her unique palette to the screen, and executing her visions astoundingly well.
A Vivacious Gaze Into the Mind of a Mastermind
Much like the subject of the film, Happy Clothes: A Film About Patricia Field is a quirky, unconventional look at the life and treasures of Patricia Field. Celebrating the magic that lies in her hands, the documentary is nothing short of informative and exciting to watch. Between personal accounts and up-close looks at her works, audiences will surely enjoy watching and learning about the mind, soul, and body behind legendary looks found in films like The Devil Wears Prada and shows like Ugly Betty.
6 'Power of the Dream'
Power of the Dream sees bold declarations of justice and equity from several members of the WNBA. Directed by Dawn Porter, the film follows athletes like Nneka Ogwumike and Sue Bird as they lend their influence and intellect to various organizations during the 2020 election. Following the shooting of Jacob Blake at the hands of police officer Rusten Sheskey, several WNBA players bowed out in protest, dedicating their time and capital to raising awareness about social injustices.
Ranging from raising awareness about COVID precautions, Black Lives Matter, and misinformation, the film benefits from remaining attentive to the rather morose topics as well as the hope that lives within these women.
A Worthwhile Rewind
In Power of the Dream, audiences return to what many may deem a moment of panic but seemingly has transfixed the public, slowly becoming the new normal. Nevertheless, the film is an embrace of activism, highlighting the empathetic nature of human beings, a willingness to educate, and what using one's privileges and platform can look like in a capitalist society. The film also creates a more holistic look at the athletes. Seeing them removed from their performance in the court transforms the film into a profound exercise in humanizing others.
5 'Butterfly in the Sky'
Butterfly in the Sky takes audiences down memory road, revisiting the popular children's educational series Reading Rainbow. Featuring insightful recollections of the legendary host, LeVar Burton himself, the film not only retains the majestic energy surrounding the aforementioned series but further harnesses it, leaving viewers with a cathartic and wholesome exploration of a series that meant so much to so many.
A Saccharine, Sensational Revisit
Between the unabashed affection displayed by the members of the production and the inspirational faith that said creators had in the show's contribution to early childhood reading, Butterfly in the Sky standsas a heartwarming recollection of a wholesome series. Through Burton's kindness and keen interest in storytelling, coupled with the children's enthusiasm for the stories they engaged with, it's no surprise that revisiting Reading Rainbow would leave audiences with a fuzzy, bright, and warm sensation in their hearts.
4 'Starring Jerry As Himself'
Starring Jerry As Himself focuses on the titular Jerry Tsu, a man who is retired and lives in Florida, as introduced in the beginning of the film. As the film progresses, viewers get a chance to experience the trials that arise after Jerry is sought out by Chinese police and recruited as an agent.
A Haunting Hybrid Of Fiction And Reality
Billed as a hybrid documentary, Jerry’s story evokes a sense of suspense and fear found typically in thrillers. However, the melangé of true crime and thriller results in a piece both provocative and purposeful. Through Jerry, audiences are confronted with their own biases, rendering the film an engaging interrogation of how xenophobia and ageism profoundly alter one’s self-perception, happiness, and freedom.
3 'Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story'
Beloved for his role as Superman, alongside many other iconic roles, Christopher Reeve lies at the center of an expansive documentary featuring contributions from his children and friends from the past and present, like Robin Williams. Spanning from his early childhood, fame from his portrayal of Superman, his parenting, as well as the effects of his infamous horse-riding incident, the film leaves little to imagination about the actor’s life, behavior and dreams.
The Man Behind the Hero Explored
The recounting of Reeve’s life is quite gripping, with his pitfalls, potential, and purpose evoking strong emotions from the film’s contributors. Between his children’s colorful, moving testimonials, literal flashes of the past, and a succinct celebration of his legacy, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story explores the life of the man behind some of film’s greatest highlights with a warm honesty, necessary sensitivity, and most importantly, a universal love that will surely leave viewers in awe.
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2 'Mad About the Boy: The Noël Coward Story'
Mad About the Boy: The Noël Coward Story is an exemplary look into English multi-hyphenate Noël Coward’s journey from poverty to fame with the use of his pen and literary prowess. The film also makes an effort at recognizing him as a queer icon, diving into the disassociation that fame requires of its starlets. An experience that offers some solace, albeit disorienting in nature, the subject of fame, in tandem with identity and individuality, provides both necessary context and brightness to Coward’s life.
A Look Into a Complex Metamorphosis
In successes like The Vortex and Design for Living under his belt, Noël Coward injected his personal knack for combining notably dry British humor with an American sense for comedic timing, which would prove to be a fruitful combination for the foreseeable future. From his plays to his involvement in world politics, the same wit required for his classic plays never left him, even through dire moments.
The human reincarnation of Janus to many, Coward’s successful reinventions as well as his somber masking of his sexuality would prove to be major attributes in defining his legacy and the film in question offers an illuminating look into the icon himself in totality.
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1 'Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words'
After quite the blockbuster year, Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words is a deeply touching capstone of the aforementioned rapper's life up until this very moment. Beginning in the midst of a media frenzy, Megan Thee Stallion, whose real name is Megan Pete, takes audiences through a multi-layered documentation of her passions, various traumas, and her perseverance. Chronicling her meteoric rise to fame in the late 2010s and early 2020s, the film toes the line between expected yet informative glimpses into the life of a talented multi-hyphenate while also standing as a project that clearly takes from the artist's personal interests.
A Candid Chronicle of Self-Preservation and Rebirth
Between spliced scenes of animated memories and real-time developments, Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words is just as much about the world as a whole as it is about Megan herself. From the lens of the entertainment industry, the film masterfully highlights the damaging effects of monetized misogynoir, neglect of mental health, and the age-old predicaments of fame. Moreover, Megan, as the subject of the film, embraces the good, the bad, and the ugly, which results in a moving reminder of the power of the tongue, the resilience of the human spirit, and the capacity for harm and healing.
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