‘This won’t go that far, I’m sure..’ – Andy King, FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened

Click here to read my first five Netflix documentary recommendations.

FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened (2019)

Schadenfreude in action. You think you’ve heard it all, then that moment happens. Think hipsters meets Lord of the Flies.

The American Meme (2019)

As a term, social media is something of a contradiction. This documentary exposes the truth within that, examining the distinction between appearance and reality, along with making it exponentially clear that money and fame does not cure all aliments.

My Generation (2018)

Michael ‘You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off’ Caine talking about the 1960s and the pop culture revolution. What more could you want?

Shirkers (2018)

In 1992 teenager Sandi Tan made her first film, something she had dreamed of doing for years. Guided by her older mentor, an enigmatic American named Georges, the film came to fruition that summer. Except Georges then disappeared, taking everything they filmed with him. 20 years later the footage resurfaced under strange circumstances, leading Sandi to explore what actually happened and who Georges really was.

Abducted in Plain Sight (2019)

This film dovetails neatly with the two part documentary Leaving Neverland, the testimonies of two men who were abused by Michael Jackson. Both that and this explore the role of families being seduced and manipulated by the abuser to allow for child abuse take take place. Another film with at least one rewind-what-did-they-just-say moment.

The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson (2017)

Sometimes you watch a documentary about an extraordinary individual and you cannot believe you’d not heard of them before. That’s more than true with this documentary, looking at the death and life of an American gay liberation activist and self-identified drag queen.

Strong Island (2017)

An underseen true-crime documentary made by Yance Ford, investigating the 1992 murder of her own brother. Incredibly powerful and moving.

Tower (2016)

On Aug. 1, 1966, a sniper rode the elevator to the top floor of the University of Texas Tower and opened fire, holding the campus hostage for 96 minutes. 16 died and at least 3 dozen were injured. Using rotoscopic animation to illustrate previously untold stories, this is another powerful watch.

Period. End of Sentence (2018)

As the film’s director, Rayka Zehtabchi, said in her acceptance speech. “I’m not crying because I’m on my period, or anything. I can’t believe a film about menstruation just won an Oscar!” A must-watch.

Senna (2011)

An exciting and heartbreaking bioic about the life & death of three-time Formula One winner Ayrton Senna. Being a racing fan is not a requirement.