Sometimes you get the feeling that you want to watch something captivating, yet factual – something not too long, but not too short. And when your favourite TV show goes on hiatus leaving you feeling slightly empty inside, documentaries are a great solution. Whether it be heart-warming, gut-wrenching, or just straight up entertaining, Netflix hosts a multitude of documentaries that are sure to fit the bill.
Here are 5 recommendations that I’ve watched recently:
1. Twinsters.
If you like watching long lost relatives reunite for the first time in their life, then you’ll love this heart warming documentary. Like a real life version of ‘The Parent Trap’, this documentary follows a pair of twins living completely contrasting lives on opposite sides of the world, whom by a lucky twist of fate, find each other again.
This documentary was even more moving to me, as being a twin myself I can totally relate to the unique bond these two share.
2. The September Issue.
Released in 2009, this is a great documentary to watch if you don’t want anything too emotionally heavy. Based at the head quarters of American Vogue magazine, this easy watching documentary shows us behind the scenes footage of the process and hard work that goes into producing a magazine issue. Focusing on various staff members, including a very passionate and likeable creative director Grace Coddington, and of course the slightly scary but brilliant editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.
This entertaining documentary reminded me of the film ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, so if you like that movie, you’ll love this too!
3. Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret.
This documentary is more on the serious side, and you have to be in the mood for all the feelings that come with it. The name and poster both feature a cow, which at first glance suggests this to be one and a half hours of a vegetarian trying to persuade you not to eat beef. But don’t be put off! Yes, this documentary does include encouragement of vegetarianism, but it is also about so much more.
It tackles important issues revolving around the agricultural system, such as water use, greenhouse gas production, and deforestation. Although some scenes could be upsetting (like the slaughtering of animals), I believe these scenes are vital to get across the powerful message to the audience. You will definitely finish this documentary feeling both angry and inspired at the same time.
4. Being Ginger.
Being Ginger is a 2013 documentary directed, produced, and starring Scott P. Harris. Scott is an American film maker living in Scotland, and starts the documentary by going on a quest to try to find a “mythical woman” who specifically likes ginger men, as he explains that he is yet to meet one. However, over the course of the film it becomes less about a search for love, and more about the filmmaker’s longterm impact of being bullied at school. Eventually leading to his self-acceptance. What isn’t clear from the title is that this documentary focuses more on Scott’s personal experiences with having red hair, rather than red heads in general. Yet the relatability of dealing with self-acceptance and self-confidence makes Being Ginger a moving documentary to watch.
5. Blackfish.
This documentary is by far the most eye-opening. Released in 2013, it showcases the controversy and consequences surrounding captive Orcas at SeaWorld.
Blackfish is not a documentary to have as casual background music whilst you do your work or eat your dinner. It requires you to pay attention to the emotive issues surrounding the captive animal industry. I was unaware of these problems beforehand, particularly the dangers that the killer whale trainers face every day.
From stressful beginnings to devastating ends, this documentary contains seriously shocking footage that will change everything you thought you knew about SeaWorld. Above all, this documentary leaves you feeling thoroughly educated.