Best of 2022, Documentary Features

 


We're cruising toward the Academy Award nominations, which are out tomorrow! As we move through award season, I'm looking back at films from 2022 that I enjoyed. Today, it's my Top 10 Documentary Features!

10. Halftime
About: This Netflix documentary took at look at Jennifer Lopez, her career, and the big year where she starred in Hustlers and did the halftime show for the Super Bowl. It was more interesting and engaging than I expected and was a great portrait of an artist that is somewhat misunderstood.

9. All That Breathes
About: This one is on a lot of short lists and nomination lists, figuring to be a strong consideration for the Academy Awards. It focuses on two brothers in Dehli who work to protect small birds known as Kites. It was a winner at Sundance and Cannes, and is a powerful and engaging story.

8. We Need to Talk About Cosby
About: This documentary from W. Kamau Bell looks at the life, career and legacy of Bill Cosby, and what it means for so many who grew up as fans. It debuted at Sundance and soon after aired in three parts on Showtime. it was powerful and engaging.

7. The Return of Tanya Tucker, Featuring Brandi Carlisle
About: This documentary looks at a collaboration album between Tucker and Carlisle. It's also a celebration of Tucker's career and impact on female artists. It is a fun and engaging look at the artists and the creative process.

6. Is That Black Enough For You
About: Filmmaker Elvis Mitchell explores the history of Black Cinema in this documentary from Netflix. It was engaging and informative, a film that stuck with me after I watched it. It's well worth seeking out.

5. Sr.
About: This documentary feature, also available on Netflix, focuses on Robert Downey, Jr., and his father. It showcases the Elder Downey's career, their relationship and his last years. It's sweet and emotional.

4. Wildcat
About: This new documentary from Prime Video focuses on a former British Soldier who finds peace volunteering in Peru, helping raise a baby Ocelot to be able to live on its own in the wild. It was a documentary that moved me and stuck with me, helping raise it on this list.

3. Fire of Love
About: This National Geographic documentary focuses on a couple who fall in love and spend their lives chasing and studying volcanos. It's a pursuit that ends up taking their lives, but the film is like a love letter to their life, love and passion. It debuted at Sundance and remains one of the year's best.

2. Lucy and Desi
About: This documentary debuted at Sundance and came to Prime Video soon after. From director Amy Poehler, this one chronicles the life and career of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, including their romance, their popular show and their post-marriage life and career. It's engaging and emotional and it's a film I wish I saw on more people's end of year lists.

1. Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me
About: Gomez is a talented artist both on screen and in her music. She also is incredibly open and vulnerable in this documentary, which chronicles several years of her life and her struggle with Bipolar Disorder. It's gripping, emotional and, ultimately, a celebration. Given the mental health crisis in this country, it's also an incredibly necessary story to share and tell. No documentary moved me more this year.

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