This Week In Documentary
Theatrical & Streaming Releases - New & Recommended - May 16-May 22, 2025
As we enter the second half of May, favorites from the early film festivals of the year are starting to release publicly for theatrical and streaming audiences. This week, I review one of the biggest documentaries of the year and a couple of small features, and they couldn’t be any more different. The former made its debut at Sundance, won the Audience Award at SXSW, and made appearances at True/False, Hot Docs, Doc10, Full Frame, IFF Boston, and other notable nonfiction-heavy fests before landing as our Pick of the Week for its streaming debut this weekend.
Find that top-recommended title below, along with the other highlights, including more nonfiction film and series endorsements, followed by daily listings for documentary releases and a brief look at what’s coming soon for doc fans.
Nonfics Pick: Deaf President Now! (2025)
Directed by Deaf actor-turned-filmmaker Nyle DiMarco and Oscar winner Davis Guggenheim (Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie), Deaf President Now! is a documentary feature that “takes place” across one week in March 1988 when students at the all-Deaf school Gallaudet University protested the appointment of yet another hearing person to lead the institution despite there being more appropriate candidates. Here’s an excerpt from my review of Deaf President Now! posted this week:
“Tim Rarus, Bridgetta Bourne-Firl, Jerry Covell, and Greg Hlibok were all significant participants in the protest, and all appear in the film collectively telling the whole story (and their personal stories) with great excitement and passion, their energy matched by the pace of the editing. The documentary calls to mind similar activism success stories such as Crip Camp and How to Survive a Plague, but while it’s just as rousing in its tone, it feels more involving as it immerses the audience in the urgency of that week and this cause.
“Deaf President Now! gives an impression of being a powerful film in the way it so engagingly chronicles such a powerful achievement. As an inspiration to others in this time of need for fighters like Rarus, Bourne-Firl, Covell, and Hlibok, for related and unrelated goals, the documentary could live up to that impression. As a look back, it’s a thrilling depiction of deserving and determined heroes standing their ground and effecting change for something that should have seemed obviously their right to proper representation in leadership.”
Deaf President Now! begins streaming on Apple TV+ on Friday, May 16.
Other Documentary Highlights
A.K. (1985)
This month marks the 40th anniversary of Akira Kurosawa’s Ran, an epic samurai film based on Shakespeare’s King Lear. For the occasion, it’s being rereleased in 4K next Friday. This week, however, marks the 40th anniversary of the Cannes Film Festival premiere of Chris Marker’s A.K., a documentary about the production of Ran. Yes, the making-of documentary arrived earlier, on May 17, than the film itself, which was finished too late for Cannes and instead made its debut in Japanese theaters at the end of the month.
A.K. is not as widely available as its counterpart, and it won’t be rereleased alongside Ran, but it’s worth watching both together for their joint anniversaries. Marker’s film is among Alex Winter’s favorite documentaries, too. He told us, “I grew up and was always a Chris Marker fan since I was really young. Sans Soleil, La Jetée, A.K. I love Chris Marker. He’s another person like Wiseman who I would never attempt to do what he does because it’s just not possible for average human beings, but it is really lovely and unique.”
A.K. is streaming for free via the Internet Archive.
E. 1027 - Eileen Gray And The House By The Sea (2024)
A lot of docudrama hybrid films seem to take that route just to be artsy, or it’s a necessity because of a lack of archival footage that warrants dramatizations. E. 1027 - Eileen Gray and the House by the Sea presents a story that wouldn’t have worked as either a straight drama or a conventional documentary, regardless of its means. The film is not a biography of the titular furniture designer but focuses specifically on an architectural project she collaborated on with her then-lover Jean Badovici.
The house, a French seaside villa dubbed E. 1027, is quite hideous, in my opinion, and I wouldn’t have been interested in a documentary where modern critics and art historians tried to convince me otherwise. I also don’t think the space could have been conveyed as well as it is in this film, as a location lived in by characters rather than a piece to be toured and exhibited with the camera. Especially since it’s a dwelling in the story at hand, not the museum it’s become — we do see how it functions now at the end of the documentary, though.
I also find the murals that Le Corbusier painted on E. 1027’s walls, to the disapproval and offense of Gray, hideous as well, making the house even uglier. But the drama that unfolds via acted-out scenes and scripted voiceover narration is intriguing. I think my dislike of the artworks involved makes it even more enticing, as it’s more about the people, and they are far more interesting than the pieces involved. Just not interesting enough for a narrative film without the expositional aspect of the documentary side.
E. 1027 - Eileen Gray and the House by the Sea opens in theaters on Friday, May 16.
Mr. Polaroid (2025)
There are many documentaries that cater to fans of their subject matter. For instance, architecture enthusiasts or fans of Eileen Gray are perhaps the target audience of E.1027. Then there are documentaries that cater to those of us who want to just turn on a film and learn about whatever. Sure, Mr. Polaroid will appeal especially to viewers already into photography, but as a biography of Edwin H. Land, it’s a fascinating tale that anyone should enjoy. Then rave about all they learned from it at a dinner party.
Land was the inventor behind Polaroid cameras and other innovations, and this installment of American Experience perfectly portrays his drive, his genius, and his ups and downs as a progressive employer who also, disappointingly, had business dealings with the apartheid regime in South Africa. Mr. Polaroid is a packed but breezy documentary at just under an hour in length, a very satisfying infotainment mix. I could easily see a decent biopic being made about Land, but this is all we really need.
Mr. Polaroid will air as an episode of American Experience on PBS on Monday, May 19.
Tucci In Italy (2025)
I’ll always find it painful to watch culinary shows where some lucky host gets to tour the world and taste the best of the best, attempting to communicate the experience while uttering only the words “it’s so good!” in the moment but stringing together a deeply thoughtful (scripted) voiceover to play over the scene. How can we not be more envious than entertained?
That said, I’ve been following Stanley Tucci as a guide to the most mouth-watering visuals of Italian cuisine since he starred in his and Campbell Scott’s foodie drama Big Night. And I continue to be a fan of him in Tucci in Italy, his latest docuseries in which he traverses his ancestral country and samples traditional and elevated local dishes. It’s kind of a sequel to his show Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, only on a different channel. If you liked that one, chances are you’re already looking forward to this.
Plus, it was just nominated for two Critics Choice Real TV Awards, for Best Limited Series and Male Star of the Year.
Tucci in Italy debuts its first two episodes on National Geographic on Sunday, May 18, with subsequent installments of the five-part series premiering on the following three Sundays. Episodes begin streaming on Disney+ and Hulu the next day.
Documentary Release Calendar 5/16/25 - 5/22/25
Friday, May 16, 2025
Beirut Forever (2025) - A documentary about refugees in Lebanon. (In Theaters)
Deaf President Now! (2025) - A feature documentary by Oscar-winning filmmaker Davis Guggenheim and Nyle DiMarco about the push for a Deaf person to be hired as president of Gallaudet University, a school for the hard of hearing. Read our Deaf President Now! review. (Apple TV+)
E.1027 - Eileen Gray and the House by the Sea (2024) - A documentary about an architectural project by interior designer Eileen Gray. You can find our review of E.1027 in the highlights section above. (In Theaters)
High Noon on the Waterfront (2022) - A short documentary featuring the voices of actors Edward Norton and John Turturro about the impact of the Hollywood Blacklist on the films High Noon and On the Waterfront. (TCM)
Know Your Ally: Britain (1944) - A short documentary introducing the British people to Americans during World War II. (TCM)
MGM Parade Show #25 (1956) - This installment of the Hollywood-focused docuseries showcases the MGM films The Firefly and Meet Me in Las Vegas. (TCM)
The Quilters (2024) - A short documentary about men making quilts while serving time at the South Central Correctional Center. (Netflix)
Thunderbolts (1947) - An American World War II propaganda film about P-47 Thunderbolt bombings in Italy. (TCM)
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Faithful Unto Death (2024) - A documentary about pensioners in Latvia who need to live together to afford to survive. (In Theaters)
From Darkness to Light (2024) - A feature documentary about the unreleased Jerry Lewis movie The Day the Clown Cried. (TCM)
Headpin Hints (1955) - A short documentary in which a couple of pros give tips to young bowlers. (TCM)
New York Homicide Season 3, Episode 16: “The Don of the Diamond District” - The latest episode of this true-crime docuseries about recent murder cases in New York City involves Manhattan’s Diamond District. (Oxygen True Crime)
Rambling 'Round Radio Row #7 (1933) - A short film with musical performances by the Rhythm Boys, Tito Guizar, the Picken Sisters, and Ann Lee. (TCM)
The Real Murders of Atlanta Season 3, Episode 14: “Fatal Feud” - The latest episode of this Atlanta-focused true-crime docuseries involves the killing of a young mother. (Oxygen True Crime)
The Wonderful World of Tupperware (1965) - A short industrial film about Tupperware. (TCM)
Sunday, May 18, 2025
David Frost Vs Episode 4: “David Frost vs Nixon” - The fourth installment of this six-part docuseries about talk show host David Frost focuses on his interview with former President Richard Nixon. (MSNBC)
Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain Episode 4: “San Sebastian and the Basque Country” - The latest installment of this travel series in which the titular actress explores parts of Spain. (CNN)
Marsha Hunt's Sweet Adversity (2015) - A biographical documentary about the titular actress, who was blacklisted in the 1950s. (TCM)
Mr. Polaroid (2025) - A documentary about the inventor of the Polaroid camera. Presented as an episode of American Experience. Read our review of Mr. Polaroid in the highlights section above. (PBS)
My Happy Place Episode 4: “Mykonos, Greece with Billy Porter” - The latest episode of this travel docuseries following celebrities on deeply personal journeys stars actor Billy Porter. (CNN)
The Rehearsal Season 2, Episode 5 - The latest installment of this nonfiction series starring Nathan Fielder about people rehearsing their lives. Read our review of The Rehearsal Season 2. (HBO)
Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under Season 5, Episode 2: “Saving Koalas” - The fifth season of this docuseries filmed at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo continues with a look at the Koala Sentinel Project. (National Geographic WILD)
Tucci in Italy Episodes 1 & 2: “Tuscany” & “Lombardy” - The first two city-specific installments of this limited docuseries starring Stanley Tucci as he explores Italy through its cuisine. Read our review of Tucci in Italy in the highlights section above. (National Geographic)
Unknown Serial Killers of America Season 1, Episode 1: “Carl Watts” - The first episode of this new true-crime series about less-famous murderers. (Oxygen True Crime)
Monday, May 19, 2025
America’s Most Wanted Season 3, Episode 5: “Fugitive Squatter Killer” - The latest installment of this iconic crime series revival focuses on Flash Shelton, a.k.a. “The Squatter Hunter.” (Fox)
Flow State 2: The Future of Cliff Jumping (2025) - A documentary sequel about cliff jumping. (In Theaters)
Gypsy Rose: Life After Lock Up Season 2, Episode 11: “The Ultimatum” - The latest installment of this docuseries following Gypsy Rose Blanchard since her release from prison. (Lifetime)
Holy Marvels with Dennis Quaid Season 2, Episode 6: “Legendary Weapons” - The latest episode of this docuseries about sacred relics. (History)
Photography as Art (2025) - A documentary about the creative artistry of photography. (In Theaters)
The Playboy Murders Season 3, Episode 3: “The Centerfold and the Serial Killer” - The third season of this docuseries continues with a story of a suspected murderer with a connection to a Playmate of the Month. (Investigation Discovery)
Toxic Season 1, Episode 3: “The Depraved Heart” - The latest episode of this new docuseries about toxic relationships. (Investigation Discovery)
Who is Michael Jang? (2024) - A medium-length documentary about the titular photographer. Presented as an episode of Independent Lens. (PBS)
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Aliens Uncovered: Observe & Report (2025) - A documentary following an investigation of mysterious UFO sightings in Arizona. (VOD)
Arthur Erickson: Beauty Between the Lines (2024) - A feature-length documentary about the titular architect. (DVD and Blu-ray)
The Cinema Within (2024) - A documentary about the psychology of film editing. (VOD)
Diane Warren: Relentless (2024) - A feature documentary about the titular award-winning songwriter. (DVD)
Hollywood My Home Town (1965) - A medium-length documentary presenting home movies of Hollywood stars. (TCM)
Knock Out Blonde: The Kellie Maloney Story (2024) - A documentary about the titular transgender boxing manager. (VOD)
Mogwai: If the Stars Had a Sound (2024) - A feature documentary about the titular band. (DVD)
Port Protection Alaska Season 8, Episode 10: “Burn It All” - The latest episode of this docuseries about life in the titular Alaskan village. (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)
Snapped: Killer Couples Season 18 - The full 18th season of this true crime docuseries about crimes committed by couples. (Peacock)
Stolen Time (2023) - A feature-length documentary about elder rights lawyer Melissa Miller. (VOD, DVD, and Blu-ray)
Untold: The Fall of Favre (2025) - The latest installment of the Untold series looks into the legacy of quarterback Brett Favre. (Netflix)
War is Over (2021) - A documentary about Iraqi Kurdistan following the war with ISIS. (OVID)
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Ado SPECIAL LIVE "Shinzou" in Cinema (2024) - A concert film starring Ado as she performs at the Japan National Stadium. (In Theaters)
Border Security: Australia’s Front Line Season 15, Episodes 5-7: “Positive Reading,” “Illegal Import,” & “Illicit Substance” - The latest episodes of this docuseries continue to follow the work of the Australian Border Force. (National Geographic)
Bugs That Rule the World Episode 3: “Eat or Be Eaten” - The third installment of this four-part docuseries about the mysterious world of bugs focuses on stealth hunters. (PBS)
Expedition Files Season 2, Episode 6: “Lost and Found” - The latest installment of this docuseries investigating unexplained mysteries from history focuses on D.B. Cooper, Michael Rockefeller, and James Dean. (Discovery)
Ghost Adventures Season 29, Episode 6: “Living Dead on La Brea” - The latest installment of this docuseries investigating haunted places involves a former girls’ school in Hollywood. (Discovery+)
Life or Death: The Negotiators Season 1, Episode 5: “The Negotiators vs. Armed Security Guards” - The latest episode of this docuseries involves a hostage situation at a Manila shopping mall. (National Geographic)
Mysteries of the Abandoned: Hidden America Season 4, Episode 5: “The Vermont Doomsday Gun” - The latest installment of this docuseries about abandoned and forgotten ruins in America. (Discovery Channel)
P.S. Burn This Letter Please (2020) - A feature-length documentary about the history of New York City’s drag scene. (OVID)
The UnXplained with William Shatner Season 6 - The full sixth season of this docuseries about unexplained mysteries. (Netflix)
Thursday, May 22, 2025
100 Foot Wave Season 3, Chapter IV: “The Eddie” - The latest episode of the Emmy-winning surfing docuseries. (HBO and Max)
Accused: Guilty or Innocent? Season 7, Episode 11: “After the Verdict: Stanley and Jerry” - The latest episode of this docuseries about individuals charged with crimes, as told from their perspective. (A&E)
American Dignity (2025) - A documentary about civil rights activists Charles Mauldin and Charles Douglas III. (In Theaters)
Conan O’Brien Must Go Season 2, Episode 3: “Austria” - The latest episode of this travel series starring Conan O’Brien. (Max)
Earnhardt Episode 1: “Ironhead” - The premiere of this four-part biographical docuseries about NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt. (Prime Video)
Leslie Caron: The Reluctant Star (2016) - A medium-length documentary about the titular movie star. (TCM)
Not Her First Rodeo Episodes 1 & 2 - The first two episodes of a new docuseries about the Elite Lady Bull Riders. (Freeform)
Welcome to Wrexham Season 4, Episode 3: “Disney FC” - The latest episode of this award-winning sports docuseries starring Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. (FX)
Yellowface: Asian Whitewashing and Racism in Hollywood (2019) - A medium-length documentary about anti-Asian racism in movies after the attack on Pearl Harbor. (TCM)
Sneak Peek At What’s Coming Soon
5/30 - It’s All Gonna Break - A documentary about the Canadian indie rock band Broken Social Scene. (In Theaters)
6/3 - White with Fear - A documentary about the conservative push to divide races and claim white victimization. (VOD)
6/13 - Prime Minister - A documentary about the former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern. Read our review of Prime Minister from Sundance. Watch the new trailer for the film below. (In Theaters)
6/16 - Sally - A biographical documentary about Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. Read our review of Sally from Sundance. (National Geographic)
6/27 - The Last Class - A documentary feature starring political economist Robert Reich as he teaches his final Wealth and Poverty course at UC Berkeley. Watch the new trailer for the film below. (In Theaters)
7/14 - Apocalypse in the Tropics - A documentary by Petra Costa (The Edge of Democracy) about former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro and how the evangelical movement paved the way for his election. Find the film on our list of the most anticipated documentaries of 2025. (Netflix)
7/25 - Folktales - A documentary by Oscar-nominated filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady (Jesus Camp) about a folk high school in Arctic Norway. Read our review of Folktales from Sundance. (In Theaters)