This Week In Documentary

Theatrical & Streaming Releases - New & Recommended - May 30-June 5, 2025

This first week of June brings fewer streaming debuts than usual for the start of a month. What The Criterion Collection in particular lacks in new nonfiction programming, however, it makes up for in one added title that I can’t recommend enough. Meanwhile, our Pick of the Week is another streamer’s non-exclusive premiere of a not-new title. I’m not a fan of the new releases I’ve seen for this week. I’m still just thinking about Pee-wee as Himself, which I’ve now watched multiple times.

Below, you’ll find this week’s highlights, including nonfiction film and series endorsements. They are followed by daily listings for documentary releases and a brief look at what’s coming soon for doc fans. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to receive more in-depth highlights and reviews in the future.

Nonfics Pick: I Like Killing Flies (2004)

Kenny Shopsin in I Like Killing Flies

This is one of the films that made me fall in love with documentaries, especially those that introduce us to fascinating characters. It also made me buy the one and only cookbook I’ve ever personally owned (it’s also a kind of memoir and manifesto), and attempt to make some of its signature dishes if only because the documentary left me too scared to visit the actual restaurant it showcases. I met its cantankerous subject, chef/owner Kenny Shopsin, as he was closing up shop one day, and I don’t think I’ve ever been more star-struck in my life. And I’ve met a lot of big celebrities.

I would have included Kenny on my list of the most memorable documentary subjects of all time if I Like Killing Flies were more widely seen. The film did earn an honorable mention on my list of the best documentaries about New York City and a featured spot on my list of under-appreciated food documentaries. Here is an excerpt on I Like Killing Flies and Kenny Shopsin from the latter:

“Directed effectively if not spectacularly by Matt Mahurin, the main appeal of the film is cook and owner Kenny Shopsin, one of the greatest documentary characters ever (don’t let him hear me say that). A foul-mouthed and principled short-order genius, he’ll captivate you with stories, recipes, and his many rules for patrons. He makes the Soup Nazi look like an angel at times, but he’s also a loving family man and good enough at what he does that his attitude is justified. In addition to being a terrific portrait of Kenny, the doc is a depiction of the city’s gentrification and development issue over the past decade as the neighborhood staple with a lot of history behind it is forced to relocate to cheaper digs.”

I Like Killing Flies begins streaming on OVID on Thursday, June 5.

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Other Documentary Highlights

The Mortician

A24 Documentaries

Last week, A24 killed its documentary division, laying off five employees. While they’re not entirely done with producing or distributing nonfiction films (look for André is an Idiot later this year, hopefully), I wanted to call attention to their documentary library and why it’s a shame they can’t continue with a greater commitment to this mode of cinema.

Their first such release, Amy (now available digitally), won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. Many years later, they partnered with Apple TV+ for such worthy watches as Boys State, The Last of the Sea Women, and Steve! (Martin): A Documentary in 2 Pieces. Unsurprisingly, they often went for less conventional auteur-driven docs like Steve McQueen’s Occupied City (now streaming free on Tubi, Xumo, and PlutoTV) and Lana Wilson’s Look Into My Eyes (streaming on Max). When they went the celeb doc route, they delivered great films like De Palma (Tubi and PlutoTV) and Val (Prime Video), the latter about the late Val Kilmer They were also responsible for the recent re-release of the classic Talking Heads concert film Stop Making Sense.

Check out the full list of documentaries A24 was involved with here.

Bono: Stories Of Surrender (2025)

Speaking of Apple TV+ and documentaries by auteurs who don’t normally direct nonfiction works, Andrew Dominik’s Bono: Stories of Surrender is a major new release this week that I didn’t care for. It’s a film of the titular U2 frontman’s one man show in which he talks about the forming of the band, their evolution toward more political music, and his relationship with his father. He also performs some songs, backed by musicians who aren’t the three other core members of U2.

This feature-length piece of self-indulgence looks great, with black and white cinematography by Oscar winner Erik Messerschmidt (Mank). It’s just that the documented event is over-written, as many one man shows are, with floral and metaphorical language where a more natural, casual, conversational tone would feel more genuine. I also think the lack of The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr.’s involvement is severely felt at times, especially considering Bono feigns self-deprecation-laden modesty and claims he’s not the leader of the band. Of course, he also defends hypocrisy, so I guess it all makes sense. It’s for fans of Bono only.

Bono: Stories of Surrender begins streaming on Apple TV+ on Friday, May 30. It’s also available in VR form for the Apple Vision Pro.

Ennio (2021) & Hummingbirds (2023)

Never mind the years in parentheses above. Ennio and Hummingbirds were officially released last year, and both made my list of the best documentaries of 2024. I wrote of the former documentary, about iconic composer Ennio Morricone: “There’s no filler in Ennio, and any fan of films and music will come away with a deeper understanding of both.” The latter is harder to describe, but essentially it follows two friends in Laredo, Texas. As I wrote, it’s “a film that’s not so simplistically broken down and classified, just like real people and real life.”

Ennio airs on TCM on Thursday, June 5.
Hummingbirds begins streaming on The Criterion Channel on Sunday, June 1.

Marcel Ophüls & Sacha Jenkins Documentaries

Sadly, we learned of the deaths of these two great documentarians last week.

Marcel Ophüls is best remembered for his Oscar-nominated feature The Sorrow and the Pity (available digitally), about the Vichy government during World War II, and his Oscar-winning film Hôtel Terminus: The Life and Times of Klaus Barbie (now streaming on OVID) about the titular Gestapo chief. His final project, about the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, is now left unfinished.

Sacha Jenkins was the director of the IDA Award-winning music doc Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues (streaming on Apple TV+) and the Emmy-nominated Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men (available on Paramount+ with Showtime), among other films focused on Black culture.

The Mortician (2025)

Defendants are often discouraged from taking the stand during their trial, and I think that advice should carry over to appearing in documentaries. If I were on a jury and The Mortician was a legal proceeding, I would definitely find David Sconce guilty of all the crimes, including those he served time for (mass cremations and corpse mutilations) and others that he was never charged with (murders). He oozes wickedness in his interview, coming off so shady that he might even be to blame for crimes he’s not linked to in the docuseries.

Fortunately for Sconce, documentaries only allow viewers to pass non-binding judgements — or, personal opinions — about their subjects (sometimes with negative results). Unfortunately for the docuseries, aside from his fascinatingly fiendish manner on screen being a highlight, it’s another example of a simple story being stretched too long across multiple episodes, and it plays very slowly.

The Mortician premieres its first episode on HBO and Max on Sunday, June 1.

Real TV Awards Winners & AAFCA TV Honorees

Last week, the Critics Choice Association announced this year’s Real TV Awards winners. Documentaries among those recognized include Conan O’Brien Must Go (streaming on Max) for Best Travel/Adventure Series, The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: The Final Chapter (Hulu, Max, or Discovery) for Best Crime Series, The Americas (Peacock) for Best Animal/Nature Series, Welcome to Wrexham (Hulu) for Best Sports Show, Tucci in Italy (Disney+ and Hulu) for Best Limited Series, No Taste Like Home with Antoni Porowski (Disney+ and Hulu) for Best Strutured Series, and Love on the Spectrum (Netflix) for Best Unstructured Series and Best Relationship Show.

Also, last week, the African American Film Critics Association announced this year’s winners for its AAFCA TV Honors. The Apple TV+ two-parter Number One on the Call Sheet was named Best Documentary.

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Documentary Release Calendar 5/30/25 - 6/5/25

Bono in Bono: Stories of Surrender

Friday, May 30, 2025

Bono: Stories of Surrender (2025) - A concert film starring U2 singer Bono based on his memoir and one-man stage show. You can find our review of The Mortician in the highlights section above. (Apple TV+)

Couples Therapy Season 4, Episodes 13-14 - The latest episodes of his relationship series. (Paramount+ with Showtime)

Going Postal: The Legacy Foretold (2025) - A documentary about the Postal video game franchise. (VOD)

It’s All Gonna Break (2024) - A documentary about the Canadian indie rock band Broken Social Scene. (In Theaters)

Missing Presumed Dead Episodes 3 & 4: “Peter Shaw - The Hole” & “Peter Moore - Kidnapped in Baghdad” - The latest two episodes of this new series about real-life disappearances. (National Geographic)

The Road to Patagonia (2022) - A documentary feature following a surfing adventure in South America. (VOD)

Ron Delsener Presents (2023) - A biographical documentary about one of the most influential concert promoters in New York City. (In Theaters)

Television Event (2020) - An archival documentary about the Cold War and the TV movie The Day After. (In Theaters)

Saturday, May 31, 2025

Rambling 'Round Radio Row #8 (1933) - A short film with musical performances by Tito Guízar and others. (TCM)

The Real Murders of Atlanta Season 3, Episode 16: “Blood Betrayal” - The latest episode of this Atlanta-focused true-crime docuseries involves the killing of a beloved matriarch and businesswoman. (Oxygen True Crime)

Terrorbytes (2025) - A limited docuseries about horror video games. (Blu-ray)

Sunday, June 1, 2025

The Beaning (2017) - A short documentary about the death of Cleveland baseball player Ray Chapman and the rise of the Yankees dynasty. (The Criterion Channel)

David Frost Vs Episode 6: “David Frost vs The Middle East” - The sixth installment of this six-part docuseries about talk show host David Frost focuses on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. (MSNBC)

Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain Episode 6: “Asturias” - The latest installment of this travel series in which the titular actress explores parts of Spain. (CNN)

Good Eating Habits (1951) - A short educational film that teaches children proper eating habits and manners. (TCM)

Grown Up Dad (2024) - A five-part docuseries about fatherhood today. (PBS Passport)

Hide and Seek (1996) - A medium-length docudrama about coming-of-age as a lesbian. (The Criterion Channel)

Hummingbirds (2023) - A feature documentary about two filmmakers/friends in Laredo, Texas. Read our review of Hummingbirds. (The Criterion Channel)

The Mega-Brands That Built America Season 3 - The return of this docuseries about famously successful American businesses. (History)

The Mortician (2025) - A docuseries about a corrupt funeral home. You can find our review of The Mortician in the highlights section above. (Max)

My Happy Place Episode 5: “New Orleans, Louisiana with Octavia Spencer” - The latest episode of this travel docuseries following celebrities on deeply personal journeys stars actress Octavia Spencer. (CNN)

Pulp: A Film About Life, Death & Supermarkets (2014) - A concert film starring the titular British pop rock band. Read our review of Pulp: A Film About Life, Death & Supermarkets. (The Criterion Channel)

Rude Boy (1980) - A hybrid music film starring The Clash and following a fan of theirs who becomes a roadie. (The Criterion Channel)

Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under Season 5, Episode 4: “Breaking the Ice” - The latest episode of this docuseries, which is filmed at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo. (National Geographic WILD)

Tucci in Italy Episode 4: “Abruzzo” - The latest city-specific installment of this limited docuseries starring Stanley Tucci as he explores Italy through its cuisine. Read our review of Tucci in Italy. (National Geographic)

Unknown Serial Killers of America Season 1, Episode 3: “Daniel Conahan” - The latest episode of this new true-crime series about less-famous murderers. This installment looks at a serial killer in Florida. (Oxygen True Crime)

The Woman (2023) - A documentary about a Chinese woman who returns to her hometown after losing her job in Beijing. (Metrograph At Home)

Monday, June 2, 2025

Kevin Costner's The West Episode 4: “Comanchería” - The latest episode of this docuseries about the American frontier. (History)

Toxic Season 1, Episode 4: “Don’t Shoot Mommy” - The latest episode of this new docuseries about toxic relationships. (Investigation Discovery)

Utopia of Death (1940) - A short educational film about the endangered Seri Indians off the coast of Mexico. (TCM)

Wild at the Wheel (1970) - A short educational film about proper driving habits. (TCM)

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Aliens Uncovered: Moments of Disclosure (2025) - The latest documentary in the Aliens Uncovered franchise. (VOD)

Anonymous Artists of America (1970) - A short documentary about the titular psychedelic rock collective. (OVID)

Beyond the Skinwalker Ranch Season 3 - The return of this docuseries about unusual phenomena at the Skinwalker Ranch. (History)

The Burnt Half (2023) - A documentary feature about brushfires that wiped out much of an Australian island dependent on tourism. (DVD)

The Case (2018) - A biographical documentary about former St. Petersburg mayor Anatoliy Sobchak and his political influence on Vladimir Putin. (DVD)

Creedence Clearwater Revival: In Performance (2008) - A medium-length documentary about the titular rock band. (DVD)

Deep Purple: Live (2004) - A documentary about the titular rock band with rare concert footage. (DVD)

The Face of Jesus (2025) - A documentary feature about early depictions of Jesus as represented by the Shroud of Turin, the Veil of Manoppello, and the Vilnius image. Presented one night only by Fathom Events. (In Theaters)

Gioncarlo Valentine: Exposures (2024) - A short documentary about the titular photographer. Presented as an episode of the American Masters shorts series In the Making. (PBS)

Hum 255 (1969) - A short documentary about former University of Chicago students expelled for occupying one of the administration buildings. (OVID)

Marcella (2024) - A biographical documentary about Italian chef and cooking writer Marcella Hazan. Read our review of Marcella. (DVD)

MGM Parade Show #27 (1956) - This installment of the Hollywood-focused docuseries showcases the MGM films Captains Courageous and Forbidden Planet. (TCM)

The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch Season 6 - The return of this docuseries about UFO phenomena at the Skinwalker Ranch. (History)

United Gangs of America Season 2 - The return of this docuseries about the inner workings of gangs across the U.S. (Vice)

What Do You Think? (Number Three) (1938) - A short film about communication with the dead. (TCM)

What the Fuck Are These Red Squares? (1970) - A short documentary about student protestors at the Art Institute of Chicago. (OVID)

Whispers (1941) - A short film about the power of gossip. (TCM)

White with Fear (2024) - A feature documentary about the racist fear that white Americans are losing their power. (VOD)

Women He's Undressed (2015) - A documentary by Gillian Armstrong about three-time Oscar-winning costume designer Orry-Kelly. (DVD)

Worth the Fight (2025) - A documentary about boxer Steve Canton as he mentors others. (DVD)

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Border Security: Australia’s Front Line Season 15, Episodes 10 & 11: “Jewelry and Lies” & “Bolt Cutter Bust” - The latest episodes of this docuseries continue to follow the work of the Australian Border Force. (National Geographic)

Life or Death: The Negotiators Season 1, Episode 7: “The Negotiators vs. Boko Haram” - The latest episode of this docuseries involves the terrorist group Boko Haram. (National Geographic)

Power Moves with Shaquille O'Neal (2025) - A docuseries following Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson’s work with Reebok. (Netflix)

Rabil's Places (2025) - A docuseries about the history of lacrosse. (ESPN+)

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Ennio (2021) - A feature documentary about film composer Ennio Morricone. Read our review of Ennio. (TCM)

Gary Cooper: American Life, American Legend (1989) - A medium-length documentary narrated by Clint Eastwood about the titular actor. (TCM)

House on Fire (2025) - A new nonfiction series about modern-day Ballroom culture. (BET+)

I Like Killing Flies (2004) - A documentary about the New York City eatery Shopsin’s and its iconoclastic owner/chef, Kenny Shopsin. Read more about the film in the highlights section above, where it’s our Pick of the Week. (OVID)

The Killer Clown: Murder on the Doorstep (2025) - A true-crime docuseries about a young wife and mother in Florida who was gunned down by a man dressed as a clown. (AMC+ and SundanceTV)

Not Her First Rodeo Episodes 5 & 6: “Broken Dreams and Bodies” & “Eight Seconds of Championship Buckle” - The latest episodes of a new docuseries about the Elite Lady Bull Riders. (Freeform)

Welcome to Wrexham Season 4, Episode 5: “Anything’s Possible” - The latest episode of this award-winning sports docuseries involves the January transfer window. (FX)

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Sneak Peek At What’s Coming Soon

6/6 - Esports World Cup: Level Up - A five-part docuseries by R.J. Cutler on last year’s inaugural Esports World Cup. (Prime Video)

6/13 - Prime Minister - A documentary about the former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern. Read our review of Prime Minister from Sundance. (In Theaters)

6/15 - Underdogs - A nature docuseries narrated by Ryan Reynolds about evolutionary underdogs and how they survive. Watch the new trailer for the upcoming series below. (National Geographic)

6/16 - Sally - A biographical documentary about Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. Read our review of Sally from Sundance. (National Geographic)

6/17 - Jeannette - A documentary feature about queer mother and bodybuilder Jeannette Feliciano. Watch the new trailer for the film below. (VOD)

6/27 - JessZilla - A documentary feature about an Olympic-hopeful boxer diagnosed with cancer. (VOD)

7/18 - Death & Taxes - A documentary about wealthy Americans’ refusal to pay taxes. Watch the new trailer for the film below. (In Theaters)