This Week In Documentary: 'Pavements' & 'My Robot Sophia'
Theatrical & Streaming Releases - New & Recommended - May 2-May 8, 2025
I don’t have anything important to say for an intro this week, and we need all the space available to recommend documentaries to watch and kudos to acknowledge, so let’s get right to it. Below, you’ll find this week’s highlights, listings, and coming attractions, including our Pick of the Week. (Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to receive more in-depth highlights and reviews in the future.)
Nonfics Pick Of The Week: Pavements (2024)
For his first documentary feature as a director, Alex Ross Perry (Her Smell) again employed his longtime editor, Robert Greene, and he seems to have taken some influence from Greene’s own projects as a filmmaker, most notably Kate Plays Christine. Pavements is being sold as an experimental hybrid work about the indie rock band Pavement, but regardless of anyone’s definition of “documentary,” it’s purely and fully a cinematic nonfiction experience.
The film follows the lead-up to the band’s 2022 reunion tour and compiles archival footage to chronicle their origins and success in the 1990s. It also adds to the commemoration of their 30-ish-th anniversary, which included the Perry-helmed off-Broadway show Slanted! Enchanted! A Pavement Musical and the touring exhibit “Pavements 1933-2022: A Pavement Museum,” consisting of real and fake artifacts.
Both of those truly existing celebrations (created ultimately for Pavements) are also joined by behind-the-scenes coverage of the making of a Hollywood-style biopic starring Jason Schwartzman and Joe Kerry. However, that movie (titled “Range Life: A Pavement Story”), like the “fictitious” film at the center of Greene’s Kate Plays Christine, is nowhere to be found outside the documentary. I wouldn’t call it a fake biopic or parody, so much as a performed meta component of a real biographical film. It’s a movie within a movie, adding a layer to the overall collage.
While Perry’s vision for Pavements is certainly worthy of praise, the film is mostly effective because of Greene’s editing. Through his intercutting and split-screen arrangements of the various parts, maintaining a pace that never makes its 128 minutes feel too long, he delivers a composition that provides a sense of Pavement more comprehensive (but also more artificial) than a typical talking-head-filled rock documentary would. It’s the sort of music film that satisfies the film audience even if they don’t care for the music, and vice versa.
Pavements will be released in theaters on Friday, May 2.
Other Documentary Highlights
Anne Frank Remembered (1995) & One Survivor Remembers (1995)
This week marks the 30th anniversaries of both films that won Oscars in the documentary categories at the 1996 Academy Awards. Interestingly, both films are Holocaust documentaries, which heavily contributed to the Academy’s reputation for favoring such subject matter at the time. The similarity in the titles of these two probably didn’t help. But memory is the key to great Holocaust docs, and why we see fewer of them now that there are fewer survivors around to share their experiences.
The feature Anne Frank Remembered is primarily about its titular subject, offering biographical and historical context for her posthumously published diary. Occasionally, it also respectfully allows its interviewees to tell about themselves and their memories of the Holocaust beyond their link to Anne and the rest of the Frank family. It would be a shame if these participants were only recognized for their connection to a single survivor, even if it means losing some of the mainline focus. Their stories are as important as anyone’s and should be equally remembered.
The short One Survivor Remembers is an even stronger film because it’s mostly just an interview with Gerda Weissmann Klein, who’d previously written an autobiographical account in 1957, as she retells her story. It doesn’t need any outside commentary from other survivors, nor voiceover narration from a Hollywood actor. It’s almost more document (as in record) than documentary (as in movie), since it doesn’t need all its inserted visual supplements, which offer very little, cinematically.
It fits in with the Claude Lanzmann style and significance of Holocaust docs as testimonial evidence from first-hand witnesses. At a time when Lanzmann’s opus, Shoah, isn’t easily accessible — yet when more than ever, we need to revisit, remember, and relearn from these historical records — I especially recommend giving One Survivor Remembers a watch. Spoiler: it has a particularly romantic happy ending.
Anne Frank Remembered is available to rent or buy digitally.
One Survivor Remembers is streaming on Max.
Critics Choice Real TV Awards Nominees
The Critics Choice Association announced its nominees for the 7th annual Real TV Awards last week, and several documentary series were included among the contenders. National Geographic’s Cult Massacre: One Day in Jonestown (now streaming on Hulu), Erased: WW2’s Heroes of Color (Hulu and Disney+), and Tucci in Italy (coming to Hulu on May 18) and Netflix’s Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer and Simone Biles Rising all are competing in the Best Limited Series category alongside The Wonderland Massacre & The Secret History of Hollywood (streaming on MGM+).
Nominees for Best Unstructured Series include the documentary programs America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (Netflix) and Love on the Spectrum (Netflix), while the Best Structured Series category includes Couples Therapy (Paramount+ with Showtime) and No Taste Like Home with Antoni Porowski (Hulu and Disney+). No Taste Like Home is also up for the award for Best Travel/Adventure Show, alongside Conan O’Brien Must Go (Max) and Long Way Home (Apple TV+). Other docs competing in categories focused on sports, animals/nature, and crime/justice, respectively, include Welcome to Wrexham (Hulu), The Americas (Peacock), and The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: The Final Chapter (Hulu and Max), among others.
Winners of this year’s Critics Choice Real TV Awards will be announced on May 20.
My Robot Sophia (2022)
This week’s only other new feature I recommend sounds like a sci-fi movie but isn’t even really a documentary about a robot. A better title for My Robot Sophia would be “My Creator David,” since it’s about an artist/inventor who has spent years attempting to perfect his humanoid AI. As an introduction to the Sophia robot, the film delights, but it mainly works as a character-driven documentary about David Hanson through his ups and downs with the progress of the project and its commercial venture.
The downs are more substantial, whether it’s a scene where the robot fails to work properly in front of thousands of conventioners or the moment when Hanson has to sell his only car so he can feed his family. My Robot Sophia shows a more human and humbling side of the tech world than is usually seen in any media. It depicts the passion of an artist rather than a businessman in this arena, reminding us that there are likely thousands of designers like Hanson failing or struggling, yet never quitting.
My Robot Sophia will be released on DVD, Blu-ray, and VOD on Tuesday, May 6.
News & Documentary Emmy Awards Nominees
Last week, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced the nominees for the 46th annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards. There are way too many doc titles to spotlight here, but I do have some favorites. Daughters (streaming on Netflix) is recognized in the Outstanding Social Issue Documentary and Outstanding Direction - Documentary categories, Turning Point: The Bomb and the Cold War (Netflix) is in the Outstanding Historical Documentary category, and Moviepass, Moviecrash (Max) is in the Outstanding Business and Economy Documentary category. All were on my list of the best documentaries of 2024.
Nominees for Best Documentary include American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders (Netflix), The Commandant's Shadow (Max), The Grab (Hulu), Hollywood Black (MGM+), Mammals (digital/VOD), The Sing Sing Chronicles (NBC), The Sixth (Prime Video and Kanopy), Queendom (Kanopy), and The Truth vs. Alex Jones (Max). The aforementioned Real TV Awards nominee Cult Massacre: One Day In Jonestown is also here, nominated for Outstanding Crime and Justice Documentary.
Documentary winners for this year’s News & Documentary Emmy Awards will be announced in a ceremony held on June 26 (the News ceremony is one day earlier).
Peabody Awards Winners
This year’s Peabody Awards winners were revealed last week following the announcement of nominees just a few weeks ago. In their Documentary category, Peabody honored Daughters (Netflix), Will & Harper (streaming on Netflix), The Remarkable Life of Ibelin (Netflix), Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa (Netflix), The Truth vs. Alex Jones (Max), Stax: Soulsville USA (Max), Night is Not Eternal (Max), Queendom (Kanopy), One with the Whale (digital/VOD), Bread & Roses (Apple TV+), Black Box Diaries (Paramount+ with Showtime), and Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story (currently unavailable).
Additionally, The Only Doctor (currently unavailable) won in the Public Service category, Surviving Nova (available to rent/buy on Amazon) was among the winners in the News category, and the docuseries Photographer (now streaming on Disney+, Tubi, and Prime Video) won in the Arts category, though it was the only nominee there.
These winners will receive their awards at a ceremony held on June 1.
Documentary Release Calendar 5/2/25 - 5/8/25
Friday, May 2, 2025
10 Years of Max Verstappen (2024) - A documentary about Max Verstappen’s first decade as a Formula 1 driver. (Viaplay)
Formula E: Driver (2025) - A four-part docuseries following Formula E racers António Félix da Costa, Mitch Evans, Jake Dennis, and Dan Ticktum. (Prime Video)
Pavements (2024) - A hybrid feature about the rock band Pavement. (In Theaters)
A Picture to Remember (2023) - A first-person documentary by Ukrainian filmmaker Olga Chernykh about her family’s experience of the war. (In Theaters)
Soil and Wings (2025) - A documentary about a Bektashi Muslim matriarch and her family. (In Theaters)
Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted (2024) - A feature documentary about the titular musician. (In Theaters)
Saturday, May 3, 2025
25 Cats from Qatar (2025) - A feature-length documentary about an American woman who transported 25 feral cats from Doha to Milwaukee. (In Theaters)
Along the Coast (1958) - A short, humorous travelogue by Agnès Varda about the French Riviera. (TCM)
The Fabulous Fraud (1948) - A nonfiction short film about Dr. Anton Mesmer, who discovered hypnotism. (TCM)
Full Court Press Season 2, Episodes 1 & 2 - The return of this docuseries about women’s college basketball spotlights Hannah Hidalgo, Flau’jae Johnson, and Kiki Iriafen. (ESPN+)
Gypsy Rose: Life After Lock Up Season 2, Episode 9: “A Baby for Christmas?” - The latest installment of this docuseries following Gypsy Rose Blanchard since her release from prison. (Lifetime)
Let's Ask Nostradamus (1953) - A nonfiction short film about Nostradamus’s predictions of the French Revolution. (TCM)
New York Homicide Season 3, Episode 14: “The Brooklyn Strangler” - The latest episode of this true-crime docuseries about recent murder cases in New York City involves a serial killer in Williamsburg. (Oxygen True Crime)
Rambling 'Round Radio Row #5 (1933) - A short film with musical performances by The Happiness Boys and others. (TCM)
The Real Murders of Atlanta Season 3, Episode 12: “House of Horrors” - The latest episode of this Atlanta-focused true-crime docuseries involves a murdered mother around Halloween. (Oxygen True Crime)
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Angels of Dirt (2025) - A feature-length documentary about motorcycle racer Charlotte Kainz. (In Theaters)
David Frost Vs Episode 2: “David Frost vs Muhammad Ali” - The second installment of this six-part docuseries about talk show host David Frost focuses on his interview with boxer Muhammad Ali. (MSNBC)
Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain Episode 2: “Seville and the Andalusia Region” - The latest installment of this travel series in which the titular actress explores parts of Spain. (CNN)
My Happy Place Episode 2: “Bali, Indonesia with Taraji P. Henson” - The latest episode of this travel docuseries following celebrities on deeply personal journeys stars actress Taraji P. Henson. (CNN)
The Rehearsal Season 2, Episode 3: “Pilot’s Code” - The latest installment of this nonfiction series starring Nathan Fielder about people rehearsing their lives. Read our review of The Rehearsal Season 2. (HBO)
Monday, May 5, 2025
America’s Most Wanted Season 3, Episode 3: “FBI Top Ten Fugitive” - The latest installment of this iconic crime series revival features guest star and retired special agent Cain Vincent Dyer, a.k.a. "Kangaroo Bandit.” (Fox)
America's Most Wanted: Missing Persons Season 1, Episode 2: “People Don’t Just Disappear” - The second installment of this spinoff docuseries about the search for missing persons. (Fox)
Britain and the Blitz (2025) - A documentary about the Blitz in England during World War II. (Netflix)
Fakir (2025) - A feature-length documentary about a young man in a dysfunctional Romani family in the Slovak slum. (In Theaters)
Holy Marvels with Dennis Quaid Season 2, Episode 4: “Unleash the Beasts” - The latest episode of this docuseries about sacred relics. (History)
Our Children (2024) - A personal documentary by Silvestar Kolbas about himself and his family. (In Theaters)
The Playboy Murders Season 3, Episode 1: “Last Dance” - The third season of this docuseries begins with a story of a murdered casting agent. (Investigation Discovery)
The Sky Above Zenica (2024) - A documentary about the pollution problem in the titular city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. (In Theaters)
Toxic Season 1, Episode 1 - The debut of a new docuseries about toxic relationships. (Investigation Discovery)
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Adonis (2024) - A medium-length documentary about young men’s obsession with achieving the perfect body. (OVID)
American Delivery (2024) - A documentary about the U.S. maternal mortality crisis. (DVD)
Fish War (2024) - A documentary about Indigenous fishing rights in Washington. (DVD)
A Holistic Journey (2022) - A documentary about medicinal plants, herbs, and holistic healers. (DVD)
I Am Divine (2013) - A documentary about the actor Divine, who is best known for starring roles in John Waters’ films, including Pink Flamingos and Hairspray. Read our review of I Am Divine. (DVD)
Lady Valor: The Kristin Beck Story (2014) - A documentary about the former Navy SEAL Kristin Beck as she comes out as trans. Read our review of Lady Valor: The Kristin Beck Story from the 2014 SXSW Film Festival. (DVD)
Murder Has Two Faces (2025) - A three-part true-crime docuseries about some of the country’s lesser-known murders. (Hulu)
My Robot Sophia (2022) - A feature documentary about David Hanson, an inventor attempting to perfect the most life-like AI. (DVD, Blu-ray, & VOD)
Pati Jinich Explores Panamericana Episode 2: “Juneau & Whitehorse - Sister Cities” - The second episode of this docuseries starring the titular chef about Pan-American food, culture, and history. (PBS)
Pichuco (2014) - A documentary about the work of tango musician Aníbal "Pichuco" Troilo. (DVD and Blu-ray)
Port Protection Alaska Season 8, Episode 8: “Natural Selection” - The latest episode of this docuseries about life in the titular Alaskan village focuses on deer hunting. (National Geographic)
Sarah Thankam Mathews: After All This (2024) - A short documentary about the titular author. Presented as an episode of the American Masters shorts series In the Making. (PBS)
Uncanny Me (2022) - A medium-length documentary about digital avatars. (OVID)
Untold: Shooting Guards (2025) - This installment in the Untold series is about the gambling dispute between Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton. (Netflix)
A Wu-Tang Experience: Live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre (2023) - A concert film starring the Wu-Tang Clan. (VOD)
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Border Security: Australia’s Front Line Season 15, Episode 1: “Nervous Luggage” - The latest episode of this docuseries, which follows the work of the Australian Border Force. (National Geographic)
Bugs That Rule the World Episode 1: “Insect Apocalypse” - The first installment of this four-part docuseries about the mysterious world of bugs focuses on what our planet would be like without them. (PBS)
Expedition Files Season 2, Episode 4: “Identity Crisis” - The latest installment of this docuseries investigating unexplained mysteries from history focuses on Billy the Kid, the Man in the Iron Mask, and UFO lore icons Betty and Barney Hill. (Discovery)
Freedom on My Mind (1994) - An Oscar-nominated feature documentary about the Mississippi voter registration drive of 1961-1964. (TCM)
Full Speed Season 2 - The return of this NASCAR-focused docuseries. (Netflix)
Ghost Adventures Season 29, Episode 3: “Glen Tavern Tragedy” - The latest installment of this docuseries investigating haunted places involves the titular California inn and features guest star Jonathan Davis of Korn. (Discovery+)
Life or Death: The Negotiators Season 1, Episode 3: “Sydney Siege” - The latest episode of this docuseries involves a couple demanding the return of their infant child. (National Geographic)
Mysteries of the Abandoned: Hidden America Season 4, Episode 3: “America’s Gun Factory” - The latest installment of this docuseries about abandoned and forgotten ruins in America. (Discovery Channel)
Thursday, May 8, 2025
100 Foot Wave Season 3, Chapter II: “Undertow” - The latest episode of the Emmy-winning surfing docuseries. (HBO and Max)
Accused: Guilty or Innocent? Season 7, Episode 9: “Impulsive Shooter or Terrified Neighbor?” - The latest episode of this docuseries about individuals charged with crimes, as told from their perspective. (A&E)
Conan O’Brien Must Go Season 2, Episode 1 - The return of this travel series starring Conan O’Brien. (Max)
Genghis Khan: The Secret History of the Mongols Episode 3 & 4: “The Birth of the Empire” & “The Unstoppable Empire” - The latest episodes of this historical docuseries about the titular warrior and conqueror. (National Geographic)
Karol G: Tomorrow Was Beautiful (2025) - A documentary about the titular singer. (Netflix)
Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story (2024) - A biographical feature-length documentary about Liza Minnelli. Read our review of Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story. (Kino Film Collection)
Ocean with David Attenborough (2025) - A documentary in which Sir David Attenborough explores Earth’s undersea habitats. (In Theaters)
Octopus! (2025) - A two-part documentary narrated by Phoebe Waller-Bridge about the Giant Pacific Octopus. (Prime Video)
Satchmo: The Life of Louis Armstrong (1989) - A biographical documentary about Louis Armstrong originally broadcast as an episode of American Masters. (TCM)
Usher: Rendezvous in Paris (2025) - A concert film starring Usher. (BET+)
Sneak Peek At What’s Coming Soon
5/9 - Ada: My Mother the Architect - A documentary about architect Ada Karmi-Melamede. (In Theaters)
5/14 & 5/17 - Ateez World Tour [Towards the Light: Will to Power] in Cinemas - A concert film starring the Korean boy band Ateez. Watch the new trailer for the release below. (In Theaters)
5/23 - Pee-wee as Himself - A two-part documentary about Paul Reubens, the man behind Pee-wee Herman. (HBO and Max)
5/26 - Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders - A three-part docuseries produced by Joe Berlinger about the panic over Tylenol pills laced with cyanide after seven people were killed in Chicago in 1982. (Netflix)
5/30 - Bono: Stories of Surrender - A concert film starring U2 singer Bono. Watch the new trailer for the documentary below. (Apple TV+)
6/16 - Sally - A biographical documentary about Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. Watch the new trailer for the film here. Read our review of Sally from Sundance. (National Geographic)
7/13 - Live Aid: When Rock ’n’ Roll Took On the World - A four-part docuseries about the Live Aid concert event. (CNN)
7/25 - Folktales - A documentary by Oscar-nominated filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady (Jesus Camp) about a folk high school in Arctic Norway. Watch a trailer for the film below. Read our review of Folktales from Sundance. (In Theaters)