documentary Archives - Page 7 of 16 - The Spool (Page 7) | The Spool

documentary Archives - Page 7 of 16 - The Spool (Page 7)

Learn a little more about Billie Eilish in a winning documentary

By: Ashley Lara

Apple TV+'s Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry traces the music sensation's rise to fame, without falling prey to the usual music doc cliches.

“Pelé” falls just short of making a goal

Netflix's documentary about the soccer superstar is serviceable, but says nothing you haven't heard before.

Sundance 2021: “Playing With Sharks” is a lovely undersea documentary

The colorful life of Australian diver and conservationist Valerie Taylor is examined in a fun and fascinating film.

Unraveling pop-culture one thread at a time

The Spool is an irreverent, informative source for film and television coverage, focused on diverse, thoughtful opinions that seek out a greater understanding of the media we love.

Rodney Ascher looks for simulations and finds “A Glitch in the Matrix”

Rodney Ascher's psychedelic documentary takes seriously the idea that we're all living in a simulation, and stirringly explores the parameters of that premise.

Sundance 2021: All hail “The Sparks Brothers”

Superfan Edgar Wright directs a lovingly expansive documentary about legendary art rock band Sparks.

“Fake Famous” asks the question, “What price Instagram fame?”

Nick Bilton's documentary-slash-zoomer ethnography investigates whether you can game your way to social media fame.

Sundance 2021: “Life in a Day 2020” is a 90-minute vlog compilation

By: Matt Cipolla

The gimmick to Kevin Macdonald's worldwide snapshot of 24 hours has lost its novelty this deep into the social media age.

Sundance 2021: “Street Gang” is a joy for Sesame Street fans

By: Peter Sobczynski

Marilyn Agrelo’s documentary soaks you in the warm bath of nostalgia for Jim Henson's long-running Muppet masterpiece.

Sundance 2021: “Cusp” explores the difficulties of being a teenager

By: Shea Vassar

Parker Hill and Isabel Bethencourt's observational documentary takes us through the complexities of awkward teen girlhood.

Sundance 2021: “All Light, Everywhere” knows no bounds

By: Matt Cipolla

Theo Anthony's new documentary threads together film theory, politics, and philosophy to great success.

Sundance 2021: “Try Harder!” is a real gem

By: Gena Radcliffe

Debbie Lum’s engrossing documentary about scary-smart teens and the arduous college application process will make you both nostalgic for and glad to be done with high school.

Sam Pollard on what “MLK/FBI” can teach us about the Capitol riots

The director of MLK/FBI talks about assembling a doc in a pandemic and what the '60s can teach us about the movements of today.

Criterion Corner: Luis Buñuel, “Minding the Gap”, “Rolling Thunder Revue”

January's Criterion offerings include a box set of Bunuel's final films, Martin Scorsese on Bob Dylan, and Bing Liu's astonishing doc debut.

“We Are: The Brooklyn Saints” is messy but inspiring

This documentary series gives short thrift to its adolescent athletes, much to its own detriment.

“Painting With John” is an unlikely balm to the soul

By: Gena Radcliffe

A quirky documentary series starring an indie Renaissance man might be just the thing to get you through these troubling times.

“Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer” charts a scary LA summer

By: Marshall Estes

Netflix’s latest true-crime docuseries expands its scope not just to the famed LA murderer, but the community he ravaged, to gripping effect.NOW STREAMING: Powered by JustWatch On March 17, 1985, Maria Hernandez was shot by an intruder. Fortunately, the bullet ricocheted off of her keys as she used them to shield her face. Her roommate, ... “Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer” charts a scary LA summer

Tiger Woods doc “Tiger” gets caught in the sand trap of its own ambition

HBO's documentary of golf great Tiger Woods suffers from a lack of participation from its subject, even as it charts his complicated home life and many personal scandals.

“The Reason I Jump” is a huge leap forward for autism representation

Empathetic, well-crafted filmmaking makes this profile on the specificities of autistic life both heartwarming and essential in its outreach.

“The Dissident” is a gripping look at Jamal Khashoggi’s murder

Bryan Fogel follows up Icarus with a harrowing, if occasionally glitchy, profile of Saudi Arabia's snuffing of dissent, whether through social media or just plain murder.

“excuse me, i love you” is a film for the already converted Arianator

By: Sydney Urbanek

Netflix drops a glowing, but opaque music doc that does little but throw red meat to her legions of fans.

“The Last Blockbuster” rents out nostalgia for a bygone era

By: Ashley Lara

Taylor Morden's documentary is a charming, quirky look back at the demise of the home video store.

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