As the world of online streaming has exploded in popularity, so too has the world of documentaries. With companies like Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Netflix providing both the cash and the stage needed for documentaries, filmmakers are being allowed to explore stories and events that before today might have remained untold. If you’re looking for your next bing-experience, check out these must-sees on Netflix this season.
Miss Americana
To many, the rich and famous live in a world apart from our own. Dazzled by the rich and famous lifestyle, we don’t even attempt to compare our lives with theirs or dare think that we could have anything in common with people so fortunate. Directed by Lana Wilson, Miss Americana gives a personal peek into the life of pop sensation Taylor Swift. While most music documentaries focus on artists’ accomplishments, Wilson helps to show Swift fans that while she may be one of the most famous people in the world, she is also a human being who struggles with the same issues we all face throughout our lives.
The Great Hack
Using the Cambridge Analytica scandal as a framework, The Great Hack shows it’s viewers how personal data is becoming the most valuable resource on the planet. By tracking seemingly innocent actions like meme sharing and likes, we explore a world where this information is used to target users with videos and ads to sway significant elections. Truly one of the most eye-opening and disturbing documentaries available at the moment, make sure you’re prepared before hitting the play button.
20 Feet from Stardom
Paying tribute to the often unseen and forgotten stars of some of the world’s greatest hits, 20 Feet from Stardom explores and unearths the world of backup singers. Creating a perfect blend of live performances and intimate interviews, the film focuses on the hidden voices behind greats such as Mick Jagger, Stevie Wonder, and Sting. Although it’s not one of the newer shows created by Netflix, it’s 2014 Oscar for Best Documentary proves it’s a must-see!
Abducted in Plain Sight
Netflix has continuously rolled out true-crime sensations like The Ted Bundy Tapes and Making a Murderer, but their latest hit might top all the rest. Abducted in Plain Sight shows how a seemingly innocent neighbor can single-handedly destroy a loving family through manipulation and obsession with their young daughter, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The story follows the Broberg family and details how their daughter Jan was abducted, not only once, but twice by their neighbor Robert Berchtold. If you’re looking for your next gripping binge look no further than Abducted in Plain Sight, the details are unsettling, the narrative captivating, and the overall show is truly one of a kind.
