Documentary Reviews and Features | Little White Lies

Genre Documentary

A man wearing a suit jacket and headband stands in a doorway, looking straight at the camera.
Review

The Amazing Johnathan Documentary

by Matt Turner

American magician John Szeles attempts to pull off one final trick in this slippery meta-doc.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
Two elder men seated at a table, one with a portrait of a woman hung on the wall behind them.
Review

Meeting Gorbachev

by Lou Thomas

The former president of the Soviet Union sits down to discuss his personal legacy and the current state of things.

4
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Metal microphone with a human face partially visible in the background.
Review

A Dog Called Money

by David Jenkins

Seamus Murphy’s globetrotting musical travelogue with PJ Harvey is a self-defeating creative exercise.

3
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
A person with curly dark hair wearing a black coat stands outside in a snowy, urban setting.
Review

Mystify: Michael Hutchence

by Trevor Johnston

This tender portrait of the exuberant INXS frontman avoids tabloid hysteria in its search for a fragile soul.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
Portrait of a young Black man in a floral print shirt, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression.
Review

What You Gonna Do When the World’s on Fire?

by Manuela Lazic

Roberto Minervini’s vital documentary follows in the wake of a series of brutal killings of black men in the US.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
A black and white image of a man with an afro hairstyle speaking into a microphone on stage.
Review

Hitsville: The Making of Motown

by Adam Woodward

Berry Gordy leads a roster of iconic artists in paying tribute to one of the most successful record companies of the 20th century.

3
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
Large group of people in red clothing exercising in a park, with pushchairs and children present.
Review

Normal

by David Jenkins

This short documentary essay critiques enforced gender roles in Italy, but is very snobby in doing so.

3
Anticipation
2
Enjoyment
1
In Retrospect
Beekeeper in a protective suit holding a honeycomb surrounded by swirling bees.
Review

Honeyland

by Lillian Crawford

An artful study of culture, poverty and ecology which focuses on an unlikely Macedonian bee keeper.

3
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Woman in hijab carrying baby in destroyed urban area.
Review

For Sama

by David Jenkins

This tough but vital documentary depicts the savage bombardment of Aleppo from a female perspective.

3
Anticipation
5
Enjoyment
5
In Retrospect
A hand holding an ultrasound image showing a foetus.
Review

Seahorse

by Hannah Strong

A transgender man’s pregnancy is the subject of Jeanie Finlay’s tender, essential documentary.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect