If a documentary is done right, it will change the way we look at the world.
Maybe it’s a documentary like Blackfish, which changed our understanding of captive orcas. Or perhaps it’s Ava Duvernay’s 13th, which challenged our view of the American prison system. Or maybe, it’s something totally bonkers like Tiger King, which reminded us that the world is full of some very, um, colorful people.
Whether you want to take a closer look at social issues or unique stories, here are five recent documentaries that will greatly shock you.
1. Chimp Crazy
Available on Max
Eric Goode, who cemented his status as a documentarian legend with 2020’s Tiger King, set his sights on a new exotic animal story: Tonia Haddix and her undying love of chimpanzees. The self-proclaimed “Dolly Parton of Chimps” is currently shocking us each Sunday as a new episode of the docuseries is released on Max. Goode — through a proxy director — follows Haddix as she treats her chimps as her own and protects them from the “evils of PETA,” as the animal rights organization is legally trying to rescue a group of chimps. We won’t give any spoilers because, much like the story of Joe Exotic, it’s best if you see this one with your own eyes.
2. Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids’ TV
Available on Max
Investigation Discovery’s jaw-dropping documentary uncovers the sinister side of Nickelodeon Studios. Once known as the peak of children’s television, dozens of former child stars and crew members speak out in this interview about the mistreatment they experienced on set. From the kids’ discomfort participating in approriate jokes to mistreatment from executive producer to Dan Schneider to multiple instances of child sex abuse, the documentary exposes how the entertainment industry has left young actors particularly vulnerable. It’s jarring to see your childhood heroes discuss the hurt and abuse they experienced as kids, but it’s a reminder that there are still great lengths to go to protect one of the most vulnerable population groups.
3. Good Night Oppy
Available on Amazon Prime
Talk about a story of resilience. Good Night Oppy charts the remarkable true story of Opportunity, a NASA exploration rover that was sent to Mars for a 90-day mission but ended up surviving for 15 years. Watching this tiny robot fight to survive and thrive in an unknown place is as close to a real-life Wall-e as we’ll ever see. But while Oppy may only be a robot, it does remind us to never give up hope, especially when facing a challenge that feels out-of-this-world.
4. Dancing With the Devil
Available on Netflix
This three-part docuseries examines Los Angeles-based Shekinah Church and the charismatic pastor who many say abused his spiritual authority and led it like a religious cult. At the center of the story is a group of very influential TikTok dancers who joined the church and ultimately signed with the pastor’s talent management company, 7M, which ultimately was used to control every aspect of their lives. As former members point out, the Shekinah Church of today is not what it’s always been. Many spoke of how it was a place for community, for refuge, for growth. But along the way, spiritual manipulation from its leader Robert Shinn twisted the church up and led it down a different path. It’s not a completely uncommon story, and it’s one that believers everywhere should be on the lookout for in their own leaders.
5. Shiny Happy People
Available on Amazon Prime
The limited docuseries explores the hidden truths beneath the wholesome Americana surface of the reality TV mega-family and the organization they’re members of The Institute in Basic Life Principles. Through the lives of TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting family, the Duggars, secrets begin to unravel about the family America watched and the religious organization they helped grow. The bombshell documentary unveiled that the persona held by the Duggars on screen did not match up to the children’s actually lives. Several daughters spoke candidly about their upbringing, alongside formed IBLP members who expressed the harm they received at the hands of the organization’s leaders.
