Weekends are designed for kicking back, and if you’re anything like me, that often means settling in for a good binge-watching session. But instead of the usual rom-coms or action flicks, why not dive into something truly thought-provoking? Netflix has a treasure trove of documentaries that can transport you from the disturbing world of cults to the remarkable life of a political icon, or even to the surprisingly engaging world of gardening. So, grab a comfy blanket, pour yourself a glass of whatever makes you happy, and maybe even a packet of Chuckles (no judgement here!), because we’re about to explore three very different, but equally captivating, documentary experiences.
First up, prepare for a deep, and often unnerving, dive into the world of cults with “Trust Me: The False Prophet.” There’s a strange, almost magnetic pull to stories about the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), a breakaway Mormon group that practices polygamy and is widely seen as a cult. This isn’t the first time their story has hit our screens, and if you haven’t already, I highly recommend pairing it with another Netflix gem, “Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey” (released in 2022). That four-part series laid bare the horrific abuses within the FLDS, detailing how the chilling motto of “keep sweet” – absolute, cheerful obedience to male leaders – was used to justify sexual abuse and force underage girls into marriage, all under the leadership of Warren Jeffs. “Trust Me: The False Prophet” picks up right after Jeffs’ imprisonment, chronicling the rise and fall of Samuel Rappylee Bateman, who claimed to be both a prophet and Jeffs’ successor. What makes this docuseries truly stand out is its unique perspective: it follows cult survivor and researcher Christine Marie and her videographer husband, Tolga Katas, as they go undercover within Bateman’s community. They earn the trust of members, meticulously gathering a wealth of video footage and evidence that exposes both the bewildering absurdity and the deeply sinister nature of Bateman. You’ll find yourself laughing at his awkward parkour attempts and his bizarre obsession with a white leather jacket and the late Queen Elizabeth II, thinking, “Who would ever follow this man?” But that fleeting humor quickly gives way to the chilling reality of the abuse and sexual assault he and other male cult members inflicted, all in the name of religion. The series also throws a spotlight on the tragic failures of law enforcement in Colorado City to intervene earlier, and it’s a stark reminder of the dangers of blindly following self-proclaimed prophets. More powerfully, it captures the real-time brainwashing and manipulation that traps individuals, while also celebrating the incredible bravery of those who eventually break free, particularly the women and children who are most vulnerable in such misogynistic, dominator-style cultures. It’s truly a chilling, yet essential, watch.
Then, prepare to challenge your perceptions and delve into the complex life of a formidable political figure with “The Trials of Winnie Mandela.” When this documentary cropped up on Netflix, I heard a lot of “Oh, I know that story” or “I can’t handle anything that heavy right now.” But trust me, both reactions miss the profound depth of this series. I devoured all seven parts in one night, and afterwards, I found myself lying awake, grappling with the kind of woman Winnie Mandela truly was. The answer, perhaps unsurprisingly, is “complicated.” Much like Jonny Steinberg’s book “Winnie & Nelson: portrait of a marriage,” this series paints a portrait of a woman who was simultaneously brave, unrepentant, vulnerable, violent, damaged, and loving. It forces you to confront the uncomfortable truth that no one is ever just one thing, especially not someone elevated to icon status. The series largely follows a chronological path through her life’s pivotal moments, but what truly elevates it is the voices telling the story. Co-produced by her granddaughters, Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway and Swati Dlamini-Mandela, alongside a team including executive producer Ivor Ichikowitz, the project benefits from the Ichikowitz Family Foundation’s strong track record in funding significant African historical and legacy projects. This support enabled both deep research and a decade-long production timeline. Crucially, the family’s involvement doesn’t sugarcoat anything; quite the opposite. They confront the darkest chapters of Winnie’s life head-on: the controversial Mandela United Football Club, the tragic murder of Stompie Seipei, and her Truth and Reconciliation Commission testimonies. It’s undeniably heavy and divisive material, but the filmmakers cast a wide net, including friends, enemies, Seipei’s mother, apartheid police, journalists, and Winnie herself. The footage of her speaking candidly before her death in 2018 is particularly striking, showcasing her raw honesty. As I watched her granddaughters grapple with these difficult truths on camera, I couldn’t help but admire their courage in confronting such a complex legacy. Beyond these more contentious moments, the documentary beautifully covers the breakdown of her marriage to Nelson, her central and undeniable role in the anti-apartheid struggle, the trauma of her detention, and her post-1994 disillusionment, all woven together with extraordinary archival material. While no TV series can capture every nuance, the sheer depth of footage, photography, and audio is remarkable, and the tight editing masterfully carries its emotional weight. While Winnie tends to inspire strong love or hate, this show encourages a nuanced understanding of her as a real person, reminding us that life is rarely black and white. It also serves as a powerful reminder of South Africa’s shocking and miraculous past, a history that, sadly, an increasing number of young South Africans have little understanding of.
Now, for a complete change of pace and a dose of delightful whimsy, consider “This Is a Gardening Show.” If you know Zach Galifianakis from “The Hangover” or his hilariously deadpan interview series “Between Two Ferns,” you know he’s a master of offbeat humor. But here, he turns his attention to something far more grounded: his genuine love of gardening. This wonderfully quirky series even leans into his agrarian passion with the sign-off line, “the future is agrarian.” It turns out Galifianakis is a long-time gardener, a hobby he picked up after moving to Los Angeles and cultivated further after settling in rural Canada, where his interest in growing things is far more than a passing joke. With episodes dedicated to topics like tomatoes, foraging, root vegetables, and composting, it might not sound like a laugh riot, but it’s surprisingly engaging. Each episode zeros in on a single subject, delving deep and leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the food on your plate, whether it’s a perfectly ripe tomato or a crunchy carrot. Along the way, Galifianakis chats with an eclectic mix of guests, including a group of truly quirky kids. This addition might feel a little odd at first, but it quickly becomes part of the show’s charm, offering fresh, often funny perspectives. His signature deadpan interviewing style is in full effect, now coupled with a sense of childlike curiosity and humor. The show also features growers and experts, exploring fascinating processes like apple grafting – the technique of joining a cutting from one tree onto the rootstock of another to create a single plant. These kinds of details deepen your appreciation for how food is grown and might just change the way you look at your next Granny Smith. The series also digs into the rich history of different fruits and vegetables, unearthing unexpected stories, from the once-suspect reputation of tomatoes to the fact that cider was historically safer to drink than water. It’s a handy bit of trivia, and perhaps a convenient excuse for anyone who might enjoy an occasional Savanna or other ciders! There’s a cool vintage aesthetic throughout, from the retro bubble-letter titles to the quirky, collage-style animation and time-lapse photography, giving it the feel of an old-school educational science video. And the theme song is a standout: Thunderclap Newman’s 1969 classic “Something in the Air,” which film enthusiasts will recognize from “Almost Famous.” “This Is a Gardening Show” is genuinely fun, offering little deep dives into our food and its origins. At just six episodes, each around 15 minutes long, it’s light viewing that might just inspire you to get your hands dirty in the garden or, at the very least, think more consciously about what you eat and where it comes from. Who knew gardening could be so unexpectedly captivating?
So, there you have it: three very different, but equally compelling, documentary options for your next long weekend. Whether you’re in the mood for a chilling look into the darkest corners of human manipulation, a nuanced exploration of a powerful historical figure, or a surprisingly joyful and educational journey into the world of gardening, Netflix has you covered. Each of these series offers more than just entertainment; they provide insights, provoke thought, and remind us of the rich tapestry of human experience, from the deeply disturbing to the wonderfully whimsical. So go ahead, dim the lights, get comfortable, and let these incredible stories transport you. Happy watching!