“In a way you’re on a serendipitous journey, a journey which is much more akin to the life experience. When you see somebody on the screen in a documentary, you’re really engaged with a person going through real life experiences. So for that period of time, as you watch the film, you are, in effect, in the shoes of another individual. What a privilege to have that experience.”
—Albert Maysles, documentary filmmaker
Runners Up
– The Fight
– Howard
– Circus of Books
– Miss Americana
– Rising Phoenix
– Crip Camp
– The Dissident
– Blessed Child
– Finding Yingying
– The Mystery of D.B. Cooper
– You Cannot Kill David Arquette
– Athlete A
– Rebuilding Paradise
– The Truffle Hunters
– MLK/FBI
– The Donut King
– Father Soldier Son
– The Painter and the Thief
– All In: The Fight for Democracy
Best Documentaries of 2020
#5: BOYS STATE
Co-directors Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss present a fantastic, fascinating documentary focusing on Texas teens with a passion for politics. Dividing into Federalists and Nationalists and running a mock government, the distinct personalities, their polar opposite campaign strategies, and the incredible intellect they display when it comes to the inner workings of a divisive political environment is astounding to watch.
These kids totally get it and are up for the challenge of putting their own (or adopted) beliefs and values in the spotlight to appeal to as many as humanly possible during this weeklong tug of war between two parties for a taste of victory. Let the speeches and scheming begin! Fast-paced, suspenseful, and timely – this next generation adds hope and horror to the future of American democracy as they ask for your vote.
#4: COLLECTIVE
Power, lies, and demoralization drenches director Alexander Nanau’s informative and involving documentary that exposes shocking truths. A deadly nightclub fire was just the beginning as journalists and a newly appointed Minister of Health seek to change institutionalized corruption and the rotten healthcare system in Romania. It’s a real-life political thriller that’s a commendation of investigative journalism and for anyone trying to keep democracy alive. No matter how infuriating or terrifying this gets, it’s nevertheless required viewing for us citizens around the globe.
#3: TIME
This compassionate, ingenious documentary is as personal as it gets, a tremendous true story of redemption that’ll break your heart though fill your soul with hope. Including the use of Fox’s video diaries, director Garrett Bradley’s powerful portrait of the Rich family shows first-hand how precious time is and how easily it can be taken away by a legal and prison system more interested in incarceration of people of color than rehabilitation.
As seen through her family, Fox’s love knows no bounds and her resolve is remarkable. She’s a wife, mother, and one hell of a fighter who is more patient than most and refuses to give up on her husband being in her arms once more. It’s a triumph in intimately illustrating injustice, suffering and resilience that so many families like this one are dealing with right this second.
#2: A SECRET LOVE
Terry Donahue and Pat Henschel share a bond that most will never know. As two lesbians, they have had to hide their love from practically everyone – including their closest family members – for almost 70 years. In Chris Bolan’s extraordinary, emotional documentary, these two ladies are in their twilight years and ready, at long last, to let their remarkable romance be known. Contrary to what A League of Their Own tells us – for which Donahue’s baseball playing days inspired – crying can’t be helped with this one.
Sprawling over a lifetime of memories, this bittersweet yet beautiful story relishes in the happiness and devotion of an inseparable couple, but not without a past of difficult choices and unimaginable sacrifices that should have never had to be made. Sadly, society had no intention of making it easy for them. Hearing the lengths they were forced to go to when it came to not getting caught is heartbreaking. Though, Donahue and Henschel have no regrets and would do it all again – for the sake of love.
#1: DICK JOHNSON IS DEAD
In this wildly unorthodox and clever documentary, writer-director Kirsten Johnson and her dad Dick laugh in the face of death. With the memories of her mother’s dementia, Kirsten painfully understands he will suffer the same fate as he slowly loses who he is. But rather than running from the inevitable, they embrace it, and with plenty of chocolate cake, have fun while they’re at it.
Honest and hilarious, the personal, extraordinary exploration of family, life, memories and mortality is done in a beautiful and moving manner that helps cope and heal. Of course there’s crying, but it’s not all tears as this loving father/daughter duo celebrate life in incredibly imaginative fashion, refusing to fear the forgone conclusion that every life has an expiration date.
Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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