Documentaries and Limited Series

Life gets insane. Sometimes it sounds like it's stripped from a Sci-Fi novel, comic book, or an episode of The Simpsons. Here are a few documentaries and limited series that show the craziness of the world we live in.

Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness: Netflix

Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness: Is it bad that the only reason I found out about this was through TikTok? Yes? Dang. Apart from that, Tiger King is a wild ride, and the tiger-loving gay Republican isn't even the craziest part. This show seemed like a work of fiction until you search up the events and then sit in the dark realizing how messed up and absurd the world really is. You don't root for anyone in this show, since everyone deserves to be in jail, but you're somehow dying for a sequel (one that isn't hosted by Joel McHale). You know those famous articles about Florida Man? Well, imagine all those crazy articles, and you've got Joe Exotic and the Tiger King cast. This show manages to do the hardest thing when filming a documentary: they keep an open mind, and they show both sides of the story. My only dislike? Casting Nick Cage as Joe Exotic in the movie.

13TH: Netflix

13TH: In light of the horrendous and unlawful murder of George Floyd, I decided to educate myself on the reality that black Americans face everyday. This documentary is intelligently written, edited, and researched, providing a simple narrative of a massively non-simple topic. There are many components at play in the world of crime, prison, and justice, and Ava DuVernay manages to cover a great deal without loosing sight of her message. If you posted a black screen for Black Out Tuesday, you must take an hour and a half out of your day to watch this documentary and educate yourselves on the issues surrounding the black community in the United States.

Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics: Netflix

Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics: I've always been curious about hallucinogens. When I was in my junior year of high school, I suffered from depression and anxiety a lot in my first semester, and because I was in an advanced research course, I started to research non-orthodox medication that is used to ease mental illnesses, and I came across mushrooms and LSD. There was a quote that Bill Kreutzmann said: "I thought that there had to be more in the world, then I took acid and I knew that this was what I was looking for". Imagine that. There's a whole world out there with beaming colors, tastes, smells, and feelings that we just can't access... it's astonishing. This documentary was made more to entertain than to educate, however it does share intense stories about trips that should help first-timers navigate their own trips.

Exhibit A: Netflix

Exhibit A: We are logical creatures. For the most part, when you look at video footage, there isn't much to argue, all the information is there. But this docu-series shows the viewers how forensic evidence cannot always be trusted. It makes you second guess everything you know and see, and what you can trust. It's terrifying, but you can't stop watching.

Coronavirus, Explained: Vox

Coronavirus, Explained: Currently, there is only one 26 minute video out right now, with another expected later this June. That doesn't mean that there wasn't enough information released with the first episode (This Pandemic, Explained), because believe me, there was. This first episode covered everything from the virus structure, science behind the infection, lack of political transparency, and denial of this virus. When watching this first episode, I keep replaying the words of Ken Jeong from his Darkest Timeline podcast: "When dealing with a virus that is infecting tonnes of people, you want to overreact". Which is completely right. I would have rather the whole world locked down in December or January when China first got drift that there's a virus going on, rather than give up the whole second semester of my junior year and my summer. There's no point in complaining now though, all we can do is wear masks, stay inside, and social distance. Good luck you guys and stay safe.

When They See Us: Netflix

When They See Us: Gut-wrenching. These boys were just kids. DuVernay focuses on the pure power that language holds, especially words in the mouths of the white press that criminalized these kids and affected the outcome of the case. Like always, DuVernay has a clear focus, clear intentions, and an emotionally charged narrative. This docu-series is powerful, and it's a lot to swallow. I wasn't able to binge it because of its power and strength. You can hear the pain of the narrators in every scene, it jumps out and strangles you with its emotion and drive. If you posted a black square on Black Out Tuesday, it is your DUTY to educate yourself on the broken justice system of America, and the pain that these innocent teenagers went through.

The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson: Netflix

The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson: The story of her death leads this story. Victoria is trying to solve her death and prove that it wasn't a suicide like the police said, but every time she gets closer to finding out the truth, the police and the city of New York block her. This documentary is a chilling reminder that things are virtually the same now as it was back then: trans women are being killed just for being trans, and the murderers getting a weak sentence. While it did feel that Marsha slowly faded away towards the end of the film, her legacy lives on forever for everything she has done for the LGBT community. Marsha deserved a longer life. And this documentary proved that.

Explained: Vox, Netflix

Explained: This series tackles harsh topics with a lot of research and depth into most angles, however, this series does not and should not replace actual independent research. It provides a great overview and summary of situations it describes, but it would not be wise to only use the information that was taken from this documentary. I also felt like they occasionally went off topic, but that's just me.

Sex, explained: Vox, Netflix

Sex, explained: Like the other Explained series, you definitely won't leave an expert in any one topic, and they don't try to make you think that way. But, it's easy, digestable, and colorful, making the viewer want to learn more about the topic. Perfectly narrated by Madame Janelle Monáe, this series is a great starting point into any sex-related research that a viewer would want to do.