While in quarantine, most, if not all of us, have watched “Tiger King.” Now, what else is there to watch after that chaotic masterpiece? Here are a few groundbreaking documentaries that will leave you speechless, all available on Netflix.
- “Voyeur” (2017) directed by Myles Kane and Josh Koury
Fly-on-the-wall former motel owner, Gerald Foos, wishes to broadcast to the world his hobby of people watching. Through the vents of his motel, Foos observed his guests every night for over eight years, witnessing some rather unusual events. However, this film is more than just a creepy memoir of a peeping Tom. Journalist Gay Talese has been chasing down the three-decade-long story of Foos’ secrets in his publication, “The Voyeur Motel.” Humility and trust are put aside as Talese introduces the world to the man behind the vent.
- “Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father” (2008) directed by Kurt Kuenne
Filmmaker Kurt Kuenne grieves the tragic passing of his lifelong friend, Dr. Andrew Bagby. Kuenne creates this documentary in hopes to capture the memory of his beloved friend for Bagby’s newborn son, Zachary. However, while filming this documentary, Kuenne captures more than just Bagby’s memory. Unforeseen conflicts leave Kuenne documenting the frustrating injustices of Bagby’s son. You will need to grab a tissue box for this one.
- “Amy” (2015) directed by Asif Kapadia
Legendary singer Amy Winehouse is documented in an incredibly personal way in “Amy,” the Oscar-award-winning film that honors the late singer for who she really was. Underneath Winehouse’s iconic cat eyeliner and retro beehive hairdo was a talented and authentic woman who desired to be loved. The rise and fall of Winehouse is a deeply moving story for anyone to witness.
- “Rich Hill” (2014) directed by Tracy Droz Tragos and Andrew Droz Palermo
Indie documentary “Rich Hill” follows the lives of three young boys as they try to make a promising life for themselves in the most unforgiving circumstances. This Sundance-award-winning film takes place only an hour away from UMKC’s campus in Rich Hill, Missouri. Directors Tragos and Palermo put a microscope to this Midwest small town, providing an intimate view of poverty. You can call this documentary a real-life ‘coming-of-age’ or American dream story. However, it is more than just that: “Rich Hill” sparks a conversation of humanity and compassion.
There are just a few honorable mentions of documentaries available on Netflix as well. If you haven’t watched“Blackfish,” “Fyre” or “Making a Murderer,” clear your quarantine schedule to watch those iconic staple documentaries as well.
