By Andrés Muñoz
One of the most captivating aspects of the past few years has been the surge in the availability of top-notch documentaries, all thanks to the advent of online streaming platforms. This has opened up unprecedented doors to a vast array of audiovisual content, each one a unique gateway to a different realm of knowledge. These documentaries traverse all spheres of human understanding, from the wonders of nature to the complexities of politics and beyond.
Netflix now boasts a rich collection of documentary content, each title a testament to the passion and dedication of its creators. These individuals have strived to bring these compelling stories to your screen. Now it’s your turn to delve into them and enrich your knowledge. As always, ensure that the distribution rights are valid in your region.
The Explained Collection
The Explained documentary series, a creation of Vox Media, plunges into intellectually stimulating topics that are shaping our world. Each episode, spanning around 15-20 minutes, delves into a single complex issue. They dissect these themes through expert interviews, historical analysis, and even draw parallels from animal behaviour for a fresh perspective! (think monogamy in humans and bonobos)
Narrated by different guest speakers in each episode, Explained sparks curiosity and provides a foundation for understanding these issues. It’s not an in-depth dive but rather a primer so people can explore the topic at length on their own. The show’s format is very concise, making it easy to digest a wide range of subjects.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this series is the sheer variety of titles. The Explained brand offers several limited series, each covering a unique and thought-provoking topic. From money and the mind to coronavirus, sex, and voting in the United States, there’s something to pique everyone’s curiosity.
The “-Piracy” Documentary Titles
Two environmentally oriented shows, both playing with the word “piracy”, have made a significant impact in the past few years. Cowspiracy and Seaspiracy, investigative documentaries directed by Kip Andersen and Ali Tabrizi, respectively, aim to raise awareness and inspire viewers to make more environmentally friendly choices.
Cowspiracy focuses on the environmental impact of animal agriculture. The film argues that factory farming significantly contributes to deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. It also investigates why some major environmental organisations remain silent about the role of animal agriculture in our planet’s degradation.
Seaspiracy shifts the spotlight to the ocean. It shows the environmental damage caused by commercial fishing. The film explores issues like overfishing, plastic pollution, and the impact of unwanted sea creatures caught in fishing gear. Similar to Cowspiracy, it raises questions about the true sustainability of certain fishing practices.
Inside Bill’s Brain: Decoding Bill Gates
Released in 2019, “Inside Bill’s Brain: Decoding Bill Gates” is a three-part Netflix series directed by Davis Guggenheim. It explores the life and mind of Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and philanthropist.
The series goes beyond just showing Gates’ success in the tech world. It explores his motivations, work ethic, and how his way of thinking shaped his approach to business and philanthropy. We see Gates’ fascination with computers and how it has fueled his drive to tackle the world’s biggest environmental and health challenges. The documentary expands on his transition from software mogul to global health advocate with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Released two years before his divorce from Melinda Gates hit the headlines, “Inside Bill’s Brain” offers a comprehensive look at a complex figure and the impact of his thinking on the world of technology and global health, as well as the Foundation’s main priorities.
What Happened, Miss Simone?
What’s the first thing you think of when you hear the name “Nina Simone”? For me, initially, it was the iconic hits “Feeling Good”, “Sinnerman”, and “My Baby Don’t Care For Me”. Seeing many other fascinating elements of her life in this documentary directed by Liz Garbus is genuinely intriguing.
“What Happened, Miss Simone?” mixes archive footage and new interviews with friends, family, and colleagues. We get insights into Simone’s journey from a classically trained pianist to becoming a singer who filled her music with jazz, blues, and strong social commentary.
We see how racism and the struggle for civil rights in America affected Simone, personally and professionally. Her music became a powerful voice for civil rights, with tracks like “Mississippi Goddam” becoming symbols of the movement. However, the documentary doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of Simone’s life, including her mental health struggles.
Overall, “What Happened, Miss Simone?” explores artistic expression, social justice, and the weight and responsibility of being a voice for a generation.
Have you discovered any other exciting titles on Netflix? We’d love to hear your recommendations and thoughts on the documentaries we’ve discussed. Share them with us in the comments section below, and let’s start a conversation about the best Netflix documentaries.