Last week, I shared the nominees for the 10th Critics Choice Documentary Awards, which is one of the things I work on when I’m not highlighting and reviewing documentaries here at Nonfics. If you’ve wondered why there hasn’t been much content outside of the weekly newsletter, that’s the biggest reason (I also have been subbing by request more lately). I’ve been watching hundreds of films and series in recent months, and I’m excited to showcase more and more of them, especially those with positive messages shared below, as they finally reach their release dates.
Without further ado, below are this week’s documentary highlights, including capsule reviews of new nonfiction films and series. They are followed by daily listings for all notable releases and a brief look at what’s coming soon for doc fans. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to receive more in-depth highlights and reviews in the future, and to give me more time to watch more (if not everything) available. If you have a doc in need of coverage or a mention in our listings, you can reach me at christopherbartoncampbell (at) gmail.
Nonfics Pick Of The Week: Mr. Scorsese (2025)
You’d think we didn’t need a five-part, nearly five-hour documentary about Martin Scorsese, but you’d be wrong. After watching Mr. Scorsese, which was initially intended as a feature, you might even think it’s not enough. After all, where’s the discussion of his other documentaries (The Last Waltz gets a couple of minutes within the coverage of the coke-fueled New York, New York production since it was filmed amidst that madness). There’s also nothing about Hugo or his performance for Shark Tale (again, as with Billy Joel: And So It Goes, what’s up with these bio docs skipping over the stuff for the kids?) or his social media presence via daughter Francesca.
I’ve never been the biggest fan of Scorsese’s films. Yet, I’ll always tune in to the man himself, whether he’s narrating or appearing onscreen in a documentary about another filmmaker (a la Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger), or if he’s talking about his own life and work. He makes this series so engaging. It’s also edited pretty well. As Scorsese advances in age, he’s able to confront his past more openly. Still, he doesn’t engage with the criticisms of the misogyny of his earlier movies the way he does concerning their violence (Sharon Stone has some words about Scorsese’s bias toward male stars). The best parts of the series are when it ties themes and other elements of his works to his life story. An appearance from the man revealed to be the inspiration for Robert De Niro’s character in Mean Streets is particularly enlightening.
Mr. Scorsese begins streaming in full on Apple TV on Friday, October 17.
Other Documentary Highlights
Armed Only With A Camera: The Life And Death Of Brent Renaud (2025)
This short documentary reminds me of the similarly titled film about Tim Hetherington. The same company is distributing it. Armed Only with a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud showcases the work and tragic killing of photojournalist and documentary filmmaker Brent Renaud, who died covering the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. I’ll always watch and share documentaries like this, and I hope they empower rather than discourage current or future journalists. I also want to point out that Renaud’s films Dope Sick Love, Meth High, and Little Rock Central: 50 Years Later are all on HBO Max while State of the Art is on Kanopy.
Armed Only with a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud premieres on HBO and begins streaming on HBO Max on Tuesday, October 21.
Artfully United (2025)
We could all use some positivity in our lives right now, but artist Mike Norice has been way ahead of us on that front. Since 2017, through his nonprofit Artfully United, Norice has been painting murals in disadvantaged neighborhoods. They consist of a single word, like “hope,” or “believe,” or “forgiveness,” and feature an appearance from his cartoon mascot. They brighten their locations in more ways than one, and this documentary about him and his works extends the vibes to you. The only downside is you’ll wish he could paint impossibly enormous murals for the whole country to see. Artfully United proves that words have power, and the right ones, along with a little love and compassion, can bring harmony to any community.
Artfully United opens in theaters on Friday, October 17.
The Man Who Saves The World? (2025)
You’ll find more positivity in this documentary about an extraordinary human being named Patrick McCollum. But don’t take my word for it. Friend and fellow activist Jane Goodall appears in the film to affirm that McCollum is the “most extraordinary man” she’s ever met. And you know she met a lot of extraordinary people in her 91 years. The Man Who Saves the World? focuses on McCollum’s belief that he is to unite Indigenous groups throughout the Americas, a mission that will save the Amazon and ultimately the planet. It’s also a participatory documentary, as director Gabe Polsky (Red Army) features himself as a character (eventually claiming to be the Sancho Panza to McCollum’s Don Quixote), and it becomes as much his quest to make his film and to trust and understand his subject. He also serves as a proxy for the audience as he’s at different points skeptical, curious, and open as the project continues.
Mistress Dispeller (2024)
I love the look and sound of Mistress Dispeller (which was just nominated for the Critics Choice Documentary Award for Best Cinematography). The narrative I didn’t find as engrossing. Elizabeth Lo’s new feature, which expands upon her 2021 short of the same name, follows a professional “mistress dispeller” in China hired by a woman to break up her husband’s affair. I couldn’t get past the fact that I didn’t like any of the people in the film, nor the sneaky premise they were involved with. Even if the film isn’t as staged as it seems, its concept involves some staging and deceit, and the fact that the story revolves around a lack of trust and communication made me less interested in trusting it. I’m more curious about its behind-the-scenes than its scenes.
Mistress Dispeller opens in theaters on Wednesday, October 22.
The Perfect Neighbor (2025)
This was last week’s Pick of the Week, but now it’s making its streaming debut and deserves to be highlighted again. Especially after receiving six Critics Choice Documentary Awards nominations. Here’s part of my review of The Perfect Neighbor:
“One thing I find curious about the achievement of The Perfect Neighbor is that initially, it reminded me of the pioneering nonfiction series Cops, which today is heavily scrutinized for being “copaganda” and glorifying the offensive tactics of the police, and for making a sensationalized spectacle of the alleged criminals they’re pursuing. Gandbhir’s documentary doesn’t align itself with the cops involved in its storytelling, however. It only uses their access, through which the viewer is allowed their own perspective. The film’s sourcing and its aesthetic are reminiscent of Bill Morrison’s recent Oscar-nominated short Incident, which consists entirely of surveillance cameras. Unlike in that film, The Perfect Neighbor’s murderer is a civilian, but they share racial implications as well as indications that mass documentation has value.”
The Perfect Neighbor begins streaming on Netflix on Friday, October 17.
Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost (2025)
Another multiple Critics Choice Documentary Awards nominee, Stiller & Meara: Nothing is Lost marks Ben Stiller’s debut as a documentary filmmaker. It’s about his parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, who were also a comedy duo. As with a lot of documentaries made by the children of their subjects, this one ultimately comes across as being more about the filmmaker than the people it’s supposed to be about. It’s like a form of therapy shared with viewers. That’s not a bad thing, just is what it is. If you like Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara and especially Ben Stiller, and/or you want to know more about them all, it’s digestible enough.
Stiller & Meara: Nothing is Lost opens in theaters on Friday, October 17.
Awards Highlights
Critics Choice Documentary Awards Nominees
Raoul Peck’s Orwell 2+2=5 leads this year’s Critics Choice Documentary Awards nominees, as I’ve previously reported. My post from last week also shares how to watch each nominee. Anyway, since I’m just one person, I do want to note that some of my favorite films and series of the year were not nominated, but that’s how it goes. Congratulations to all the nominees, whom I’m excited to celebrate next month.
DOC NYC Short List
Also announced last week, DOC NYC’s Awards Short List spotlights several features and shorts considered to be major Oscar contenders this year, and there’s a lot of overlap with the CCDA nominees. The additional features include Co-Existence My Ass!, Come See Me in the Good Light, Cutting Through the Rocks, Heightened Scrutiny, Mr. Nobody Against Putin, and Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk. The additional shorts include All the Walls Came Down, Am I the Skinniest Person You’ve Ever Seen?, Armed Only with a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud, Children No More: Were and Gone, Last Days on Lake Trinity, Maybe It’s Just the Rain, Oh Yeah!, Qotzuni: People of the Lake, The Reality of Hope, Songs of Black Folk, Tessitura, Tiger, and We Were the Scenery. They also announced their Winners Circle and Encore films, including Below the Clouds, Holding Liat, Life After, Secret Mall Apartment, Monk in Pieces, and Suburban Fury.
Documentary Release Calendar 10/17/25 – 10/23/25
Friday, October 17, 2025
Andrew Young: The Dirty Work (2025) – A documentary feature about the titular Civil Rights icon and politician. (MSNBC)
Artfully United (2025) – A documentary feature about a mural artist in Los Angeles whose work focuses on undeserved neighborhoods. (In Theaters)
Downey Wrote That (2025) – A documentary feature about Saturday Night Live writer Jim Downey. (Peacock)
Hollywood Hustler: Glitz, Glam, Scam (2025) – A true-crime docuseries about an actor who got rich through a Ponzi scheme. (Prime Video)
Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars Episode 3: “I Love Watching a Train Wreck” – The latest installment of a docuseries following Michelin Guide inspectors as they dine in and rate restaurants. (Apple TV+)
The Man Who Saves the World? (2025) – A documentary feature by Gabe Polsky (Red Army) about a man who believes he has a calling to unite Amazonian tribes to save the rainforest. (In Theaters)
Mr. Scorsese (2025) – A five-part docuseries by Rebecca Miller about filmmaker Martin Scorsese. (Apple TV+)
Operation Raintree (1957) – A short documentary about the making of the movie Raintree County. (TCM)
The Perfect Neighbor (2025) – A documentary feature by Geeta Gandbhir about a dispute between neighbors that turned deadly. Read our review of The Perfect Neighbor. (Netflix)
River of Grass (2025) – A documentary feature about Florida’s Everglades. (In Theaters)
Stiller & Meara: Nothing is Lost (2025) – A documentary by Ben Stiller about his famous actor/comedian parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara. (In Theaters)
Suspicious Minds (2025) – A video series and documentary podcast about the rise of artificial intelligence. (YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Substack)
What Do You Think? (1937) – A short film about extrasensory perception. (TCM)
Wisdom of Happiness (2024) – A documentary feature starring the Dalai Lama as he talks directly to viewers about a peaceful 21st century. (In Theaters)
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Austin City Limits Season 51, Episode 3 – The latest installment of this music docuseries features a performance by My Morning Jacket. (PBS)
The Fabulous Fraud (1948) – A nonfiction short film about Dr. Anton Mesmer, who discovered hypnotism. (TCM)
If an Owl Calls Your Name (2025) – A documentary in which leaders and activists from Indigenous groups in Canada discuss their forced assimilation. (In Theaters)
Lucky Dog: Down Under Season 1, Episode 3: “Harley & Tess” – A docuseries in the Lucky Dog franchise starring animal trainer Brandon McMillan as he works in Australia. (CBS)
Lucky Dog: Reunions Season 3, Episode 3: “Bella Reunion” – A docuseries starring animal trainer Brandon McMillan as he revisits past clients. (CBS)
Molly-Mae: Behind It All Season 2 – The return of a docuseries about British influencer Molly-Mae Hague. (Prime Video)
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild Season 3, Episode 3: “Following the Whale Trail” – A nature series focused on wildlife conservation. This installment involves gray whales. (NBC)
One Against the World (1939) – A short nonfiction film in John Nesbitt’s Passing Parade series about the pioneer surgeon Dr. Ephraim McDowell. (TCM)
XXX Medico (1940) – A short documentary about a new system where doctors can operate over long distances. (TCM)
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Boy George & Culture Club (2025) – A feature documentary about the titular music group. (In Theaters)
Cavalcade of San Francisco (1940) – A short documentary installment of James A. FitzPatrick’s TravelTalks travelogue franchise that explores San Francisco. (TCM)
Her Fight, His Name: The Story of Gwen Carr and Eric Garner (2024) – A short documentary about Eric Garner’s mother. (In Theaters)
Looking UP (2025) – A documentary about a young man going blind who decides to climb El Capitan. (In Theaters)
Subject: Narcotics (1951) – A short film made for police officer training purposes on the “destructive effects of marijuana.” (TCM)
Tony Shalhoub Breaking Bread Episode 3: “São Paulo” – The latest installment of a culinary travelogue series following the titular actor sampling food around the world with a focus on bread. (CNN)
Val Lewton: The Man in the Shadows (2007) – A documentary feature by Kent Jones and narrated by Martin Scorsese about the titular horror movie producer. (TCM)
Monday, October 20, 2025
After Action Season 3, Episode 3: “Homefull” – The latest installment of a docuseries spotlighting U.S. military veterans. (PBS)
Ancient Aliens: Origins Season 2, Episode 3: “Gateways to the Stars” – A docuseries in the Ancient Aliens franchise that looks back at the original show’s greatest mysteries. (History)
Ratified (2024) – A documentary feature about the fight to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. Presented as an episode of Independent Lens. (PBS)
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Armed Only with a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud (2025) – A short documentary about the titular journalist. (HBO)
The Last Waltz (1978) – A concert film by Martin Scorsese starring The Band and many musical guests. (TCM)
Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore (2025) – A documentary about the titular actress. Read our review of Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore. (DVD and Blu-ray)
Monterey Pop (1968) – A concert film by D.A. Pennebaker starring Jimi Hendrix, Otis Redding, The Who, Mamas and the Papas, Jefferson Airplane, and more as they perform at the titular music festival. (TCM)
Shari & Lamb Chop (2023) – A biographical documentary by Lisa D’Apolito (Love, Gilda) about puppeteer and children’s show host Shari Lewis. Read our review of Shari & Lamb Chop. (DVD)
St. Helena and Its ‘Man of Destiny’ (1936) – A short documentary installment of James A. FitzPatrick’s TravelTalks travelogue franchise that explores the titular island. (TCM)
Stuff for Stuff (1949) – A short documentary on the history of economics and international trade since the dawn of man. (TCM)
Tulsa Terrors (2025) – A documentary feature about direct-to-video horror movies made in Oklahoma in the 1980s. (Blu-ray)
Who Killed the Montreal Expos? (2025) – A documentary feature about the downfall of the titular Major League Baseball team. (Netflix)
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Bay District (2025) – A short documentary about the Bay District volunteer fire department. (In Theaters)
Dangerously Obese (2025) – A docuseries following individuals battling life-threatening obesity. (TLC)
Fugitives Caught on Tape Season 2, Episodes 5 & 6 – The latest installments of a docuseries following law enforcement in their pursuit of fugitives. (A&E)
Good Eating Habits (1951) – A short educational film that teaches children proper eating habits and manners. (TCM)
Home Truth (2025) – A true-crime documentary about a woman whose three children were abducted and murdered by their father. (In Theaters)
Ice Road Truckers Season 12, Episode 4: “Enemy Roads” – The latest installment of a nonfiction series about the job of driving trucks on frozen lakes. (History)
Kukràdjà (2025) – A documentary feature about the Kayapó Indigenous Community. (In Theaters)
Mistress Dispeller (2024) – A documentary about a woman who hired someone to stop her husband from cheating. (In Theaters)
Mitski: The Land (2025) – A concert film starring the titular singer-songwriter as she performs in Atlanta. Watch the new trailer for the film below. (In Theaters)
Mob War: Philadelphia vs. the Mafia (2025) – A true-crime docuseries about warring mob factions in Philadelphia in the 1990s. (Netflix)
Nature Season 44, Episode 1: “Walrus: Life on Thin Ice” – The latest season of this long-running docuseries begins with a look at walruses. (PBS)
What Do You Think? (Number Two) (1937) – A short film about a psychic encounter. (TCM)
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Hollywood My Home Town (1965) – A medium-length documentary presenting home movies of Hollywood stars. (TCM)
Momentum (2022) – A medium-length documentary about an MMA fighter recovering from a tragic accident. (OVID)
Off School Property (2025) – A documentary feature promoting the idea of teaching the Scripture in public schools. (In Theaters)
Sneak Peek At What’s Coming Soon
10/24 – The Spirit of Halloweentown (2024) – A feature documentary about the Oregon town where Disney’s Halloweentown movies were filmed. (VOD)
10/28 – Country Doctor – A short documentary about the only doctor serving a wide range of communities in rural Oklahoma. Watch the new trailer for the film below. (HBO Max)
10/30 – I Was Born This Way – A documentary feature by Daniel Junge and Sam Pollard about the titular disco song that became an LGBTQ+ anthem. (In Theaters)
11/1 – Blue Baby – A documentary feature following incarcerated youth at a prison alternative called Boys Town. (Tubi)
11/3 – j-hope Tour ‘Hope on the Stage’ – A concert film starring the titular BTS member. Watch the new trailer for the film below. (IMAX Theaters)
11/3 – Life After – A Sundance-winning documentary by Reid Davenport (I Didn’t See You There) about a disabled woman who sought “the right to die.” Read our review of Life After. (PBS)
11/5 – Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk – A documentary feature about a Palestinian woman’s life under bombardment in Gaza. (In Theaters)
11/7 – Caterpillar – A documentary about a company that permanently changes your eye color. Watch the new trailer for the film here. (In Theaters)
11/7 – Fire and Water: Making the Avatar Films (2025) – A two-part documentary about the making of the Avatar movies. Watch the new trailer for the film below. (Disney+)
11/14 – Come See Me in the Good Light – An award-winning documentary feature by Ryan White following a poet couple — Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley — after one is diagnosed with terminal cancer. (Apple TV)
11/16 – The American Revolution – A Critics Choice-nominated docuseries directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt about the Revolutionary War. (PBS)
11/21 – The Age of Disclosure – A political documentary about the American government’s cover-up of UFOs and aliens. Watch the new trailer for the documentary below. (In Theaters)
11/21 – Cutting Through Rocks – A Sundance award-winning documentary about Iranian politician Sara Shahverdi and her fight against child marriage. Watch the new trailer for the film below. (In Theaters)
11/21 – Zodiac Killer Project – A meta-textual true-crime documentary about an abandoned documentary on the Zodiac Killer. Read our review of Zodiac Killer Project. Watch the new trailer for the film below. (In Theaters)
11/23 – Chris Hemsworth: A Road Trip to Remember – A documentary special following the titular actor and his father, who was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Watch the new trailer for the special here. (National Geographic)
12/5 – Night in West Texas – A true-crime documentary about a gay Apache man framed for the murder of a closeted Catholic priest. Watch the new trailer for the film below. (In Theaters)
12/5 – WTO/99 – A Critics Choice-nominated archival documentary about the 1999 World Trade Organization protests in Seattle. (In Theaters)
12/10 – Rolling Stones — At the Max – A re-release of the 1991 concert film starring the titular rock band. (In IMAX Theaters)
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