As the scripted world of content makes its triumphant return, there’s no shortage of compelling documentaries to inspire, educate, and entertain us this month. With the days growing shorter and more opportunities to cozy up on the couch, the world of documentaries has diverse offerings to suit all tastes: true crime, history, pop culture, or the wonders of the natural world. Here are seven exciting new releases that promise to captivate your attention and will be sure to serve as a great conversation starter at the next holiday function.
Feeding Tomorrow
FEEDING TOMORROW (premiering January 23rd on Apple TV) introduces us to the intricate web of our food system’s challenges and solutions through the power of video documentary. Directed by acclaimed international chef Oliver English and his brother Simon English, this compelling film introduces us to a group of visionary leaders, farmers, scientists, and wellness experts, who are on the front lines of reshaping our approach to food. These leaders across agriculture, healthcare, and education seek to reform our world’s food system & build a more just and regenerative food system in their communities, so we can enjoy our right to a resilient food system and a sustainable world.
The Lady Bird Diaries
Lady Bird aka President Lyndon B Johnson’s wife, Claudia Alta Taylor Johnson, is a First Lady who has often been both influential and at the same time, somewhat enigmatic throughout history – until now. In this groundbreaking documentary by the award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter out now, we gain a better understanding of her through the use of her personal audio diaries. Thoughtfully distilled from over 100 hours of recorded material, the film created a sensation during its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin.
The Billionaire, the Butler, and the Boyfriend
How did a feud between the world’s wealthiest woman and her daughter escalate into a national scandal? This captivating French docu-series on Netflix now, unveils the full narrative. The story revolves around the late French businesswoman, Liliane Bettencourt, and her daughter, Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, who were not only the primary shareholders of L’Oréal, but they stood as industry pioneers in the cosmetics and beauty products realm. Yet, beneath the veneer of astounding success and seemingly perfect lives, the Bettencourts were embroiled in a clandestine battle that gradually unraveled into a carefully orchestrated conspiracy, ultimately morphing into a nationwide scandal that left the entire country in shock.
Escaping Twin Flames
Available on Netflix now, “Escaping Twin Flames” is a must-see for those who enjoy a captivating twist in the realm of love and relationships and dive into narratives that aren’t always tied up with a happy ending. It’s the result of a thorough three year investigation by the acclaimed Emmy-nominated creators behind “Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult.” This gripping three-part documentary series dives deep into the enigmatic world of Twin Flames Universe, a controversial group that former members claim has exploited individuals seeking love and deeper connections. Get ready to unveil the untold stories and concealed truths as the series unravels the mysteries of this captivating, yet perplexing, digital realm.
Til Murder Do Us Part: Soering vs. Haysom, Season 1
This is a great pick for true crime lovers. On a fateful day on March 30, 1985, the world was shaken by the brutal murders of Elizabeth Haysom’s parents, Derek and Nancy Haysom. In the aftermath, a young German expat named Jens Soering confessed to and was subsequently convicted of these heinous crimes. His girlfriend, Elizabeth, also faced charges as an accessory. However, the trial took an intriguing turn when Soering recanted his confession in court and transformed the case into a high-profile showdown of conflicting narratives. The burning question remained: was Soering the true culprit? Or was he shouldering the blame to protect his girlfriend? “Till Murder Do Us Part: Soering vs. Haysom” dives deep into the intricate controversies surrounding the Haysom case and explores the developments that have unfolded since then.
The Secret Life of Dancing Dogs
For something a little more lighthearted and heartwarming, “The Secret Life of Dancing Dogs” is an enchanting six-part documentary series, premiering Friday, joins a dedicated group of handlers and their four-legged partners on an extraordinary journey. Their mission? To create captivating canine-human performances for the prestigious Crufts Dog Show in England…the grandest stage in the world of dogs. With aspirations of securing the judges’ hearts, our heroes embark on a delightful journey filled with leaps, pirouettes, and joyful hops. This heartwarming tale of dog dancing illuminates the idea that every individual possesses a hidden star, and sometimes all it takes to bring it to light is a furry, faithful companion by your side.
The Lost Women of Highway 20
We were captivated just by reading the description of this documentary which casts a piercing light on the dark and haunting mystery of women who have gone missing along Highway 20. Executive produced by Octavia Spencer, this three-hour series zeroes in on the chilling stories surrounding the crimes connected to John Arthur Ackroyd and the women who fell victim to his sinister deeds along Oregon’s Highway 20. As a local journalist stumbles upon a long-concealed court document, she unravels a haunting trail of missing and murdered women hidden within the wilderness of Oregon. The desolate stretch of highway becomes the backdrop for a sinister tale where a killer used its remoteness to bury dark secrets. Another great pick for your inner true crime junkie.
Looking for documentaries that will motivate and inspire? Check out some of our favorites HERE.
