This Week In Documentary
Theatrical & Streaming Releases - New & Recommended - April 3-9, 2026
The more successful Nonfics gets (in its Substack era), the more we get requests for reviews, especially of documentaries not yet available to the public. Many of these are film festival premieres. Would our readers be interested in that kind of coverage? I’m not convinced. In my 26 years as a critic, I’ve rarely found much personal benefit in reviewing films that nobody can see, or that nobody is already anticipating seeing. I’ll cover Sundance premieres when I can, but only because there’s a good chance those documentaries will not only be released within the year but also be award contenders.
Being the transparent guy that I am, I will also admit that I was spoiled by film festivals themselves inviting me to attend, cover, and participate, either on their dime or at the expense of the local tourism board. That happened a lot in the early years of Nonfics (in its website-only era). I was always officially there in employment as an expert to serve as a moderator, panelist, or member of a jury, and if I had the time to review the films or the festival as a whole, that was a bonus for them. Such coverage rarely got much traffic, though, and so had little financial benefit to the site.
Things have gotten even worse in the last decade for that kind of coverage online, but with newsletter-driven outlets like the current iteration of Nonfics, SEO and whatever else matters for website income aren’t as important. Hopefully, you’re subscribing to learn about documentaries to seek out in the future, not just those I recommend (or not) that are coming to theaters and streaming over the next seven days. If true, I hope to eventually have the capacity (and paid subscription income) to review the festival premieres and other documentaries in need and share them directly with you.
Without further ado, below are this week’s documentary highlights, followed by daily listings for all known releases and broadcasts, along with a brief look at what’s coming soon for doc fans (this week, we have trailers for the latest Disneynature documentary and the latest Lucretia Martel film!). Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to receive more in-depth highlights and reviews in the future, plus full access to special posts like our best-of lists, and to give me more time to watch more (if not everything) available. If you have a doc in need of coverage or a mention, you can reach me at christopherbartoncampbell (at) gmail.
Nonfics Pick Of The Week: My Undesirable Friends: Part I - Last Air In Moscow (2024)
Surprisingly, My Undesirable Friends: Part I - Last Air in Moscow has never been a Nonfics Pick of the Week until now. The must-see five-hour-plus documentary has been a recommended highlight multiple times, whether timed to its theatrical releases and in recognition of its awards successes. The film even ranked in the top 10 on our list of the best documentaries of 2025. While I don’t have anything new to say (stay tuned for our interview with director Julia Loktev, as it’s her turn to speak here), it’s time to let it fully shine in celebration of its long-awaited streaming debut.
Here is yet another excerpt from our review of My Undesirable Friend: Part I - Last Air in Moscow, with the hope that you will check it out, despite the runtime:
“The distinction of My Undesirable Friends is that it’s an immersive, character-driven film more than just a record of recent events. We spend so much time with these women that it becomes personal rather than merely historical. Still, as a record of recent events, it’s the sort of documentary that shows history as it’s occurring. Despite the captions that foretell what will happen to these characters well in advance of showing these outcomes playing out on screen, the story unfolds in a linear chronology that gives us the sense that we’re experiencing it in real time. That’s not to say it’s slow, let alone that it feels longer than its 324 minutes. Quite the opposite, the film flies by the deeper you get.”
My Undesirable Friends: Part I - Last Air in Moscow makes its streaming debut exclusively on Mubi on Friday, April 3, 2026.
Other Documentary Highlights
Frederick Wiseman’s U.S. Documentaries
We could never highlight Frederick Wiseman’s documentaries enough, not when he was alive nor now that he has passed away. In tribute to the iconic filmmaker (who was also a fan of My Undesirable Friends), the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, New York, has programmed a retrospective titled “Frederick Wiseman’s America.” It’s another excuse for us to recommend his work, specifically those documentaries set in the United States. If you can see any of these films on the big screen, do so. If you can only follow along with this series at home, they are available via Kanopy.
This week, specifically on Wednesday, April 8, and Thursday, April 9, you should watch Welfare (one of our picks for the best documentaries of all time and the best documentaries about New York City), High School (one of the best documentaries about student life and the education system), and the Emmy-winning Law and Order. We’ll highlight the rest of the program as it continues throughout this month.
Mr. Nobody Against Putin (2025)
Another one of our favorite films of 2025, Mr. Nobody Against Putin recently won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. Like My Undesirable Friends, it also concerns exiled chroniclers of Russia’s propaganda machine (and other corruptions). You can currently stream the documentary via Kino Film Collection or rent or buy it digitally. But you’re going to want to grab a physical copy because it’s that good, deserving of permanence in your collection. Plus, the DVD includes an introduction by co-director and cinematographer Pavel "Pasha" Talankin, who is also the film’s main character.
Here is a bit about Talankin from our review of Mr. Nobody Against Putin:
“At the film’s center is its co-director, Pavel “Pasha” Talankin, a primary school teacher from Karabash, Russia. He finally has enough of the regime when it impacts his job and the students he cares about, and Mr. Nobody Against Putin is the result of his virtuous resistance….The film should also give viewers some hope by showing that there are Russians like Talankin who aren’t the enemy. It is sad that he had to escape a country that he loved, even in its darkest times, and it is sad that Karabash has perhaps lost its most influential subversive (maybe one of his former students will take his place?), but he’s created and done something extraordinarily important.”
Mr. Nobody Against Putin will be released on DVD on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
My Sweet Land (2024)
We see a lot of documentaries about families having to leave their homes, whether because their country is at war or being led by a madman (or both). Unlike the exiles and refugees seen in My Undesirable Friends, Mr. Nobody Against Putin, Midnight Traveler, In Exile, Flee, Ta’ang, Beyond Utopia, One in a Million, and many others, the subjects of My Sweet Land are followed not just as they flee but also as they return to their partially destroyed village to live amidst its ruins and leftover mines and carry on. (One in a Million follows its main character returning, but just as a visitor.)
The film concentrates on the perspective of a preteen ethnic-Armenian boy before, during, and after the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War. Since then, his family has been forced out again, but the film portrays a community where the only thing that seems constant and certain is more wars to come. Children are assumed to be young soldiers in waiting. This is a tense way to exist, somewhat similar to the locals of Pompei: Beyond the Clouds who always feel on the verge of disaster, and it’s interesting, if often heartbreaking, to see this through Vrej’s eyes.
My Sweet Land makes its broadcast debut on PBS on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The Tallest Dwarf (2025)
This week’s installment of Independent Lens is directed by Julie Wyman, and its title, The Tallest Dwarf, refers to her. She believes she is biologically part of the little people community despite her height of five feet, which is above the range for dwarfism. The exploration of this claim is intriguing, and Wyman ultimately reaches a satisfying scientific conclusion. Unfortunately, that takes a backseat to the film’s focus on the rest of the community during her attendance at the Little People of America National Conference. As a documentary on dwarf identity, medical concerns, and other topics devoted to this group, there’s enough appeal, but it’s not as compelling as the documentary the title promises.
The Tallest Dwarf makes its broadcast debut as an episode of Independent Lens on Monday, April 6, 2026, and will be available to stream on the PBS website, app, and YouTube channel afterward.
Trust Me: The False Prophet (2026)
Technically, I’m embargoed against writing much at all about Trust Me: The False Prophet ahead of its release, let alone my opinion. So, I’ll stick with a light synopsis, which should be enough to pique your interest in viewing the four-part true-crime docuseries. Directed by Rachel Dretzin (who previously helmed the related Netflix series Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey, about Warren Jeffs), this new documentary follows a well-intended outsider couple embedded in the fundamentalist Mormon community of Short Creek as they unexpectedly find themselves investigating Samuel Bateman, the self-proclaimed new leader/prophet of FLDS, and his child sexual abuse ring.
Trust Me: The False Prophet premieres and begins streaming exclusively on Netflix on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
The Truth And Tragedy Of Moriah Wilson (2026)
Another true-crime documentary coming to Netflix this week, The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson is one that I am at liberty to discuss. However, I don’t have a lot to share about the feature, which tells the story of the titular cyclist’s murder in Austin in 2022. For better or worse, the film is not sensational in the least. This means it’s pretty straightforward and respectful toward its victim, but it doesn’t have much bite.
I don’t consider that a criticism, as I do appreciate simply learning about Moriah Wilson and what the world is missing without her. And I do think the film does a great job of adapting part of the court case against her killer, showing how well law enforcement can track and trace a murderer’s steps. However, I can’t help but also wish I understood the killer’s psychology more. Maybe true-crime has ruined us?
The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson premieres and begins streaming exclusively on Netflix on Friday, April 3, 2026.
Untold: Chess Mates (2026)
And we’re back to Netflix content that I can’t (yet) share my opinion on. Let me give a tease, if I may be so bold (forgive me, publicists). Last week, I admitted that, going into the latest season of the sports documentary series, I hadn’t ever seen an episode of Untold that I liked. Now I can say that I also didn’t care for the Season 6 premiere, Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom, either. So, why am I highlighting the next installment, Untold: Chess Mates? Hmm, I don’t know (no, I do know!). You’ll have to wait until its release date to find out. The answer may surprise you.
Untold: Chess Mates premieres and begins streaming exclusively on Netflix on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
Documentary Release Calendar 4/3/26 - 4/9/26
Friday, April 3, 2026
Ancient Egypt (1939) - A short documentary from James A. FitzPatrick’s Traveltalk franchise focused on historical landmarks in Egypt. (TCM)
The Hidden Master (1940) - A short film about the importance of luck. (TCM)
Jimmy & The Demons (2025) - A documentary feature directed by Cindy Meehl (Buck) about James Grashow’s sculpture The Cathedral. (In Theaters)
My Undesirable Friends: Part I - Last Air in Moscow (2024) - A documentary about a political threat against independent journalists in Russia. Read our review of My Undesirable Friends: Part I - Last Air in Moscow. *NONFICS PICK* (Mubi)
The Proof is Out There Season 6, Episode 4: “The Battle of Los Angeles, Chinese Dragon Discovery, and Celebrity UFO” - The latest installment of a docuseries investigating UFOs, conspiracies, and mythical creatures. (History)
Roger Corman: The Pope of Pop Cinema (2021) - A medium-length documentary about film producer Roger Corman. (TCM)
The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson (2026) - A true-crime documentary about the murder of pro cyclist Moriah Wilson. See our highlights section for more info and a brief review. (Netflix)
Two Strangers Trying Not to Kill Each Other (2024) - A documentary feature about married artists. (In Theaters)
Saturday, April 4, 2026
The Beginning or the End (1947) - A docudrama about the development and deployment of the atomic bomb. (TCM)
Buried in the Backyard Season 6, Episode 16 - The latest installment of a true-crime docuseries about the odd locations where murder victims were found. (Oxygen)
Made for March (2026) - A four-part docuseries following the Kansas Jayhawks and Michigan Wolverines in the current college basketball season. (Paramount+)
My Sweet Land (2024) - A feature documentary following a young boy in war-torn Artsakh. See our highlights section for more info and a brief review. See our highlights section for more info and a brief review. (PBS)
Pandas 3D (2019) - A short 3D documentary narrated by Kristen Bell about pandas. Presented as part of AMC’s IMAX Documentary Showcase. (IMAX Theatrical Event)
Vet Detective Season 1, Episode 6: “The Bulldog’s Battle to Breathe” - The latest installment of a docuseries that follows the work of veterinarian Dr. Lauren Adelman. (National Geographic)
Sunday, April 5, 2026
Betrayal: Secrets & Lies Season 1, Episode 2: “Abuse & Alimony” - A true-crime docuseries involving stories of infidelity and deceit. (ABC, Disney+, and Hulu)
Gadgets Galore (1955) - An Oscar-nominated short documentary about the impact of the invention of the automobile. (TCM)
History’s Greatest Picks with Mike Wolfe Season 1, Episode 7: “Backyard Treasures” - The latest installment of a docuseries about legendary treasures, relics, and artifacts from history. (History)
A Plan to Kill Season 2, Episode 5: “Killer Principal” - The latest installment of a true-crime docuseries on the meticulous planning conducted by serial killers. (Oxygen)
Monday, April 6, 2026
Fatal Attraction: I’d Kill to Be You Season 1, Episode 11: “A Sister’s Secret” - The latest installment of a true-crime series about cases involving jealousy. (TV One)
Sports Heaven: The Birth of ESPN (2026) - A documentary about the creation of ESPN in 1978. (ESPN)
The Tallest Dwarf (2025) - A documentary by Julie Wyman about her place in the Little People community. Presented as an episode of Independent Lens. See our highlights section for more info and a brief review. (PBS)
Where It Lies Episode 1: “Van Cortlandt Park” - The first installment of a four-part docuseries about public golf. (ESPN App)
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Action on the Beach (1964) - A short documentary about the making of the D-Day sequence in the film The Americanization of Emily. (TCM)
After the Millennium (2019) - A documentary feature about the TV series Millennium. (Blu-ray)
The Box (2022) - A three-part true-crime documentary about America’s worst serial killers. (Blu-ray)
Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates Jr. Season 12, Episode 9: “Song of the South” - The latest installment of a docuseries presenting celebrities with their ancestral history. Actress Danielle Deadwyler and musician Rhiannon Giddens are the participants in this episode. (PBS)
Jeff Dunham’s The Cars That Drove Us Episodes 3 & 4: “Trans Am” & “Corvette” - The latest installments of an eight-part docuseries starring comedian Jeff Dunham about some of the most iconic vehicles in history. (Discovery)
Knock Out Blonde: The Kellie Maloney Story (2024) - A documentary about the titular transgender boxing manager. (DVD)
Lucy Worsley Investigates: The American Revolution Episode 1 - The first installment of a two-part documentary on the American Revolution. (PBS)
Mr. Nobody Against Putin (2025) - An Oscar-winning documentary feature about a Russian teacher who secretly exposes the militarization of youth in his country following the invasion of Ukraine. Read our review of Mr. Nobody Against Putin. *NONFICS PICK* (DVD)
Original Gangsters with Sean Bean (2025) - A four-part docuseries about notorious criminals, including Al Capone. (Sundance Now)
Secrets Declassified with David Duchovny Season 2, Episode 4: “Black Ops” - The latest installment of a docuseries about declassified government activities. (History)
Untold: Chess Mates (2026) - A documentary feature about the chess rivalry between Magnus Carlsen and Hans Niemann. This is the second installment of the sixth season of Untold. See our highlights section for more info. (Netflix)
We Are Not Machines (2025) - A documentary feature about Hispanic workers. (DVD)
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
The Bad Foot Clinic Season 1, Episode 4: “There’s Trouble Afoot” - The latest installment of a docuseries following a podiatrist couple in their work. (TLC)
Becoming Elephant: The Orphans of Reteti (2026) - A two-part documentary about the first community-owned elephant sanctuary in Africa. Presented as an episode of Nature. (PBS)
The Capital City: Washington, D.C. (1940) - A short documentary installment of James A. FitzPatrick’s TravelTalks travelogue franchise that explores Washington, D.C.’s famous buildings and monuments. (TCM)
Conspiracies & Coverups Episode 2: “Jersey Drone Panic” - The latest installment of a docuseries starring ex-CIA officer Andrew Bustamente about the biggest conspiracies in pop culture today. (Discovery)
Feds Season 2, Episode 6: “Hired to Kill” - The latest installment of a docuseries that follows the FBI on various cases. This episode involves a serial killer in Philadelphia. (Investigation Discovery)
Hunt for the Missing: Chicago Episode 6: “The Last Message” - The final installment of a six-part series following a retired police detective as she re-investigates cold cases. (Investigation Discovery)
Jamaica & Tamarindo: Afro Tradition in the Heart of Mexico (2019) - A short documentary about the Jamaica flower and tamarind. (OVID)
Relentless Memory (2024) - A documentary feature about an Indigenous Mapuche activist and researcher as she explores the atrocities against her ancestors. (OVID)
To Catch a Smuggler Season 10, Episode 7: “The Dope Boat” - The latest installment of a docuseries following U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents. This episode involves cocaine and a rookie K9. (National Geographic)
Trust Me: The False Prophet (2026) - A four-part docuseries following an undercover investigation into FLDS leader Samuel Bateman. See our highlights section for more info. (Netflix)
Where It Lies Episode 1: “Van Cortlandt Park” - The first installment of a four-part docuseries about public golf. (ESPN2)
Your Last Act (1941) - A short film on various odd bequests people made in their wills. (TCM)
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Donald Judd’s Marfa, Texas (1998) - A short documentary about the titular artist and critic. (OVID)
Extreme Weather Early Warning Systems (2026) - A short documentary about experts trying to improve weather warnings. Presented as an episode of the PBS Terra series Weathered. (PBS App and YouTube)
Mysteries Unearthed with Danny Trejo Season 2, Episode 16: “Powerful Discoveries” - The latest installment of a docuseries exploring hidden worlds. (History)
Predator Hunters Episode 6: “High Risk Takedown” - The latest installment of a docuseries produced by Louis Theroux following the work of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. (A&E)
Sneak Peek At What’s Coming Soon
4/10 - Fiume o Morte! - A comedic docudrama about a Croatian city occupied by an Italian poet in 1919. (In Theaters)
4/10 - Steal This Story, Please! - A documentary about Democracy Now! host Amy Goodman. Watch the new trailer for the film below. (In Theaters)
4/13 - The Last Twins - A documentary feature about Erno “Zvi” Spiegel, who saved several sets of twins from experimentation during the Holocaust. (PBS)
4/14 - The Dark Wizard - A four-part docuseries directed by The Alpinist filmmakers Peter Mortimer and Nick Rosen about climber, base jumper, and highline walker Dean Potter. Watch the new trailer for the series below. (HBO and HBO Max)
4/17 - Everyone Is Lying to You for Money - A documentary feature directed by and starring actor Ben McKenzie about cryptocurrency. (In Theaters)
4/20 - Cheech and Chong’s Last Movie - A documentary about the legacy of the titular comedy duo. (Paramount+)
4/22 - Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool - A documentary feature about the titular country music superstar. (Netflix)
4/22 - Orangutan - A documentary feature from Disneynature narrated by Josh Gad about an adolescent orangutan. Watch the new trailer for the film below. (Disney+)
4/23 - The Chaplain & The Doctor - A documentary feature about a chaplain and a doctor working together. (In Theaters)
4/24 - Bernstein’s Wall - A documentary about Leonard Bernstein. (In Theaters)
4/24 - Eraserheads: Combo on the Run - A documentary feature about the titular Filipino rock band. (In Theaters)
5/1 - Our Land - A documentary feature directed by Lucretia Martel about the case of the 2009 killing of an Indigenous leader in Argentina. Watch the trailer for the film below. (In Theaters)