Are you among the curious ones? The geek who likes to get to the bottom of stuff?
Here are some of the most intriguing, insightful documentaries on HBO that you can watch to satisfy your curious mind:
Atlanta’s Missing and Murdered: The Lost Children
Set in the backdrop of events spanning a timeline between 1979 – 1981, this is a five-part documentary series that chronicles the abduction and murder of at least 30 African – American children and several adults in Atlanta. Through footage of interviews of people close to those who disappeared, this documentary brings out the conflicts of racism and gives insights into the personal impact of a socio-economic problem that has plagued Atlanta for ages.
True Justice: Bryan Stevenson
This is a documentary that visualizes the 30 year-long struggle of Bryan Stevenson and his organization The Equal Justice Initiative. He has done tremendous work in the field of social justice, trying to create an equalizing system in society to end racism and discrimination. His is a story of hope and determination that will truly inspire.
Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind
Following the life and death of actress Natalie Wood through her daughter’s eyes, this is a documentary that brings us closer to the inner life of an artist. It also attempts to put to rest the rumors around her death, which is speculated to have been more than what it looks like.
Being Serena
Tennis champion Serena Williams needs no introduction. Being Serena documents her life and how she navigates her many roles as an athlete, first-time mom, and public personality. It looks back at her illustrious career, her personal life, and the legacy she has been creating for women of color.
Everything is Copy
This is a documentary series that chronicles the life of legendary writer and filmmaker Norah Ephron. It follows the life of Norah right from her days of struggle to her rise to stardom and her journey of screenwriting/film making which revitalized the romantic comedy genre. It captures both her wit, intelligence, and private vulnerabilities with the utmost tenderness.
At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal
This is a daring take on the lives of athletes who were sexually abused and silenced for long by the officials at the Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics. An essential documentary worth watching, this is a work that brings out some unseen problems at the heart of the gymnastics world.
4 Little Girls
4 Little Girls documents the September 15, 1963 murder of four African-American girls in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama. It was directed by Spike Lee and nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary.
Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland
Sandra Bland was arrested for an alleged traffic violation in a tiny Texas town in 2015. Three days later, she was found hanged in a jail cell. Though her death was initially ruled a suicide, it raised more questions this documentary depicts the efforts of her family and their legal team to find out what really happened to her.
Capturing the Friedmans
What initially started as a documentary on people who acted as clowns for children’s birthday parties led to the unearthing of a popular clown man’s heinous crimes of child molestation. This documentary follows the incidents that reveal themselves upon investigation into David Friedman, a clown performer, and his dysfunctional family members.
Jane Fonda in Five Acts
This is an intimate look at the life, achievements, highs, and lows of actress and fitness tycoon Jane Fonda. An Oscar-winning actress, she has had a life full of controversies and transformation bang in the middle of the public eye. This documentary captures her in all her complicated essence.
