The best documentaries don’t just inform, they captivate. And the storytellers behind the films on this list are masters at turning even the most complex or seemingly mundane topics into thrilling, must-see viewing. These documentaries are not just intellectually stimulating and entertaining, they are absolutely necessary. So get ready to be on the edge of your seat as you dive into these thought-provoking, fascinating, and undeniably captivating films – they are truly some of the best documentaries of 2022.
All the Beauty and the Bloodshed
Nan Goldin is a multifaceted individual, renowned for her photography as well as her activism. In Laura Poitras’ documentary “All the Beauty and the Bloodshed,” Goldin’s life and work are explored in two interwoven sections. The first part follows Goldin as she tells the story of her life, while the second documents her efforts to combat the pharmaceutical company Sackler/Purdue Pharma and its role in the opioid crisis through her organization P.A.I.N. (Prescription Addiction Intervention Now). Goldin’s story is both inspiring and heartbreaking, as she battles personal struggles while also fighting to bring attention to the devastating impact of the Sackler family’s actions. The film combines Goldin’s past and present, ultimately showing how she has used her experiences to make a meaningful difference in the world.
The Tinder Swindler
True-crime documentaries offer a tantalizing look into the dark and twisted world of crime, all from the comfort of your own home. But be warned – these stories can be just as heartbreaking as they are exciting. “The Tinder Swindler” is no exception. This film tells the tale of Shimon Hyut, a manipulative con artist who used Tinder to lure in unsuspecting women by posing as the wealthy heir to an Israeli diamond fortune. Once he had them hooked, he began to ask for exorbitant amounts of money – sometimes up to hundreds of thousands of dollars – using his fabricated profession as a diamond dealer to justify the sudden requests for cash. The consequences for his victims were devastating, leaving them in debt and heartbroken. But their stories are nothing short of captivating, weaving a gripping and unnerving tale of deceit and betrayal.
Meltdown: Three Mile Island Covers A Nuclear Disaster
“Meltdown: Three Mile Island” is a must-see for anyone interested in a detailed exploration of a historical event. This four-part Netflix series delves into the partial meltdown of a nuclear plant in Pennsylvania, an incident that could have potentially jeopardized the entire Eastern Coast of the United States. But “Meltdown” goes beyond just recounting the disaster – it also examines the experiences of a cleaning crew sent to the site three years later to rehabilitate the plant. Working under rushed and dangerous conditions, the crew raised concerns that another nuclear disaster was imminent, only to be silenced by their superiors. This documentary exposes corporate greed, shines a light on brave whistle-blowers, and explores the cultural anxieties surrounding nuclear energy in late 1970s America.
Fire Of Love Is Beautiful Yet Tragic
Get ready to be swept up in the thrilling and ultimately tragic story of “Fire of Love.” This moving film tells the tale of Katia and Maurice Krafft, two French scientists who were united in their love for each other and for volcanoes. They spent their lives exploring and documenting these natural wonders, and their passion ultimately led to their untimely demise when they were killed while photographing a volcanic eruption in 1991. “Fire of Love” is not only a beautiful tribute to love and a stunning nature documentary, it’s a rare and unique look at what can happen when passion ends in tragedy. This award-winning film was a hit at the 2022 Sundance film festival, and will soon be available to stream on Disney+. Don’t miss it!
The Territory
“The Territory” is a powerful documentary that delves into the struggles of the Uru-eu-wau-wau, an indigenous tribe living in the Amazon rainforest. Through the lens of director Alex Pritz, we see the tribe’s daily struggles to protect their land from outsiders trying to intrude for commercial gain. But the film also highlights larger issues at play, specifically how capitalism drives the destruction of the rainforest and pits lower-economic classes against one another. Former Brazil president Jair Bolsonaro is also a key figure in this conflict, as the film examines how his actions have impacted the suppression of indigenous lives. “The Territory” is a poignant and necessary film that sheds light on the challenges facing indigenous communities and the impact of capitalism on their way of life.
Moonage Daydream
“Moonage Daydream” is a captivating and intimate look into the many facets of David Bowie’s psyche. Assembled from pre-existing footage, much of which was captured by Bowie himself, this documentary offers glimpses into the various places his ambitions took him throughout his life. Even if you don’t come away with a clear understanding of who David Bowie was as a single person, this film provides beautifully realized visions of the various aspects of this iconic artist.
Three Minutes – A Lengthening
“Three Minutes – A Lengthening” is a poignant and powerful documentary that begins with three minutes of vintage footage captured in Poland in 1938. As director Bianca Stigter delves deeper into the footage, narrated by Glenn Kurtz who found the footage decades later, it becomes clear that this is not just a vacation video – it’s a glimpse into the lives of the largely Jewish town where it was shot, a town that would be nearly wiped out by the Nazi genocide in the following years. This brief footage is a poignant reminder of lives lost to history.
