There are plenty of documentaries in my Netflix queue that yeah, I know I should watch (Food, Inc. and Blackfish among them), but I'm a pretty sensitive person, and I have to be in the right mood for that kind of thing. (Maybe I'll watch them on a day when I'm like, "You know what? I'm too happy. Let's bring this down a notch.")
I have been enjoying a few other documentaries on Netflix that, luckily, don't ask too much of the viewer. They're fun or cute or interesting, but definitely still get your wheels turning the way a good documentary should. I thought I'd share some of them with you!
Tiny: A Story About Living Small (2013)
This sweet one-hour film is told from the point of view of one couple who together build a 124-square-foot home. The documentary also features interviews with other people around the country who have built or live in tiny houses -- members of the tiny house movement. The movie features gorgeous landscapes, beautiful shots, and thought-provoking questions. After seeing how so many people live in such small spaces, I couldn't believe how much stuff it suddenly felt like we had. Website
Bronies: The Extremely Unexpected Adult Fans of My Little Pony (2013)
Here's one I would love to watch again. This film is about "bronies" -- the boys and men who are fans of "My Little Pony." It's a really interesting sub-group, and the documentary addresses their challenges, concerns, and offers a great look into their world. Website
The Queen of Versailles (2012)
This film follows a billionaire family as they attempt to construct the largest single-family residence in America. The economic crisis, however, hits them pretty hard, and they all must confront questions of opulence and stability. (They're fine now, though.) Watching this seriously felt like an anthropological experiment. At the beginning of the film, it was like watching a totally alien people. But by the end, they started to become a little more relatable. Website
Happy (2011)
Just like the title suggests, this documentary is about happiness. The filmmakers traveled all over the world seeking out different definitions of and requirements for happiness. Afterward, Kristie and I had a great conversation about how much we truly have. Website
Mile... Mile & a Half (2013)
This film will cure any wanderlust you might be feeling. Follow along as a team of creatives hikes California's historic John Muir Trail -- 219 miles in 25 days. The photography and videography is not to be missed, and the group is pretty freakin' funny! Website
*All screenshots taken by me.
