10 essential documentaries you must watch

With the quarantine established in most countries, many of us gained the privilege of having (a lot of) time available. Unable to leave home, we hunted for alternatives to face the boredom that comes with it. So, intending to help you in this mission and try to alleviate some of the tension this moment brings, we have selected 10 documentaries to delve into various topics. 

• Explained: The Coronavirus

Explained: Coronavirus. 2020. 26min. Netflix

It's okay, we know how tiring it can be to talk about this pandemic, but the Netflix series Explained is very good at addressing topics in a lighter yet well-founded manner. With insights from experts in the field, Explained: The Coronavirus brings information and data about this situation, helping us have a historical overview of the virus and better understand how the world is doing. Moreover, it’s only 26 minutes long, so it's super easy to watch.

• Minimalism: A documentary about the important things

Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things. 2016. 79min. Matt D'Avella

With the idea of reflecting on what is truly necessary for our lives, Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things shows the lifestyle and concept that has been gaining a lot of visibility in recent years, discussing the urgency and necessity of rethinking material accumulation and compulsive consumption. Thus, it demonstrates how we can have a higher quality of life with less. 

• How the Brain Creates 

The Creative Brain. 2019. 52min. David Eagleman

In How the Brain Creates, neuroscientist David Eagleman interviews professionals from various fields: writers, architects, actors, musicians, chefs, teachers, among others, to explore each of their creative processes. The diverse perspectives on the same theme reveal that creativity is personal and individual, as there are varied methods and ways to be creative, making the documentary an encouragement to discover how our own creativity works and how we can stimulate it.

• Will We Be History?

Before the Flood. 2016. 95min. National Geographic

In order to contribute to the need to reassess our attitudes, choices, and behaviors, Will We Be History? brings Leonardo DiCaprio in a series of questions about our planet's climate conditions. Traveling through various countries and even the Arctic, DiCaprio brings insights from various political leaders, such as Barack Obama, Ban Ki-moon, John Kerry, as well as Elon Musk and even Pope Francis, about how we got into this situation and what our ways out are. 

• The True Cost

The True Cost. 2015. 95min. Michael Ross

Featured in almost all lists of documentaries about fashion, The True Cost delves into how the fashion industry contributes to the degradation of the environment and the lives of people who are exploited in this production system. Clothes are necessary, represent who we are, and are part of our lifestyle, which is why it is so important that we are aware of what needs to be done for them to reach our closet. 

• The Last Dance

The Last Dance. 2020. Netflix

It's also worth mentioning the recently released Netflix documentary, The Last Dance. Divided into 10 episodes, the documentary shows the path taken by the Chicago Bulls team to win their underrated sixth NBA title, being the third title in a row for the second time. Besides being visually stunning, it showcases an intimate side of stars Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, among others, and their often tumultuous relationships with the franchise management. 

• Laerte-se

Laerte-se. 2017. 100min. Netflix

Laerte is one of the most iconic cartoonists in the Brazilian artistic scene, with a well-established career, her work has become a reference. The documentary aims to talk more about the personal aspects of the artist. Coming out as transgender at 57, Laerte brings us various questions about who we are and about the freedom to be who we want to be. Thus, more than just a documentary about a person, Laerte-se invites us to discover ourselves, in a journey both in the artist's life and in our own. 

• LA Originals

LA Originals. 2020. 93min. Netflix

Speaking of references, LA Originals brings the stories of Mister Cartoon and Estevan Oriol, two giants in Hip-Hop culture. Cartoon, a tattoo artist who has tattooed Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, together with Estevan, a photographer responsible for capturing tattoos and historic photos of the scene in Los Angeles, has a long list of contributions to Hip-Hop, and the documentary seeks to dive deep into this, besides representing the lifestyle at various moments in the city.

• Travis Scott: Look Mom I Can Fly

Travis Scott: Look Mom I Can Fly. 2019. 87min. Netflix

Travis Scott, I believe, needs no introduction, increasingly consolidating his space in the music industry. One of the most important steps in his career was his last album and the ASTROWORLD tour. The documentary Travis Scott: Look Mom I Can Fly delves into the construction and conception of this album, in addition to getting closer to Travis's personal side. Great for getting to know better and connect with one of the fastest-growing artists today.

• Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé

Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé. 2019. 137min. Netflix

And to conclude this list, but not less importantly, we suggest the documentary by the illustrious Beyoncé. HOMECOMING shows the behind-the-scenes preparation of the historic show at the Coachella festival. With Beyoncé herself responsible for the executive production, direction, and script of the show, the documentary, which won a Grammy for Best Music Film, is great for understanding the scope of an artistic production and how this impacted a cultural movement, addressing feminism, motherhood, and all the messages Beyoncé brings as the first black woman to headline the festival. 

We know that the atmosphere is tense and that we just want to get out of this situation soon, but the intention of the list was to bring some topics for us to enjoy this time and reflect on how we deal with certain subjects and thus emerge from this more conscious about what we can do differently. 

For now, we wish that everyone is well and that you live this period at your own pace! Always remembering, if possible, stay home.