The Finest Documentaries of 2025

      A vast exploration of the Black experience, independent journalists resisting in Russia, the world of bullfighting, a thorough examination of the video-store era, analytical takes on true crime, an insight into one of the decade's most ambitious films, and the journey of a legendary director: these represent just a fraction of the themes and narratives delivered by this year's outstanding documentaries. As 2025 comes to a close, we've highlighted the non-fiction films that left the strongest impression on us.

      **7 Walks with Mark Brown (Vincent Barré, Pierre Creton)**

      This film, directed by life partners Pierre Creton and Vincent Barré, quietly makes an impact. It chronicles a journey undertaken by the directors along with a small team and botanist Mark Brown, culminating in a forest designed to protect plant life that dates back to the dinosaur era. Presenting no overt mysticism, the film pays homage to the significance of life beyond humankind. – Steve E.

      **Afternoons of Solitude (Albert Serra)**

      Albert Serra’s latest work, *Afternoons of Solitude,* resembles a two-hour session of Sky Sports more than one might expect from the filmmaker of *Story of My Death.* Adhering to the technical aspects of observational and direct cinema, we observe Spanish bullfighting rings for much of the runtime, focusing on Andrés Roca Rey, a Peruvian “exemplar” of this brutal sport. While modern audiences are well-aware of the constructed nature of documentaries, Serra’s achievement lies in presenting an objective standpoint. Under DP Arthur Tort’s guidance, the camera refrains from objectifying, and the editing avoids close-ups that push us into disapproval, fostering a connection that allows us to simultaneously acknowledge the horror in bullfighting. Roca is portrayed in a way that makes him seem both heroic and villainous, though these labels fall short in this context. He is framed monumentally within the cinematic space. – David K. (full review)

      **Apocalypse in the Tropics (Petra Costa)**

      Petra Costa’s *Apocalypse in the Tropics* takes place over five years, during Brazil's closest presidential election in history and in the aftermath of an insurrection since her previous exploration of Brazil’s turbulent socio-political landscape. Here, Costa focuses on Jair Bolsonaro and the radical evangelical right that paved his way to the presidency in 2018, along with their shared pursuit of a theocratic state. With Costa's near-complete access to key figures in modern Brazilian politics, the events within the documentary unfold almost in real-time, creating a thrilling, significant narrative. – Luke H. (full review)

      **Below the Clouds (Gianfranco Rosi)**

      Set against the backdrop of Mount Vesuvius in Naples, Gianfranco Rosi’s *Below the Clouds* might lead one to anticipate a documentary focused on the volcano itself. However, the title signifies Rosi’s emphasis on what lies beneath. In Vesuvius's shadow—a menacing yet subtle character in this cinematic mosaic—lies an extensive, vibrant landscape full of unique modern life. Through an array of individuals and professions, Rosi presents Naples with intimate fascination, akin to a parent sharing their passion with a child. – Luke H. (full review)

      **BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions (Kahlil Joseph)**

      Kahlil Joseph’s *BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions* encapsulates centuries of Black history that would take countless lifetimes for any scholar to grasp fully. This documentary avoids academic dryness, instead offering a vibrant, kaleidoscopic journey. Grounded in Henry Louis Gates and Anthony Appiah’s W. E. B. Du Bois-inspired encyclopedia, which spans nearly 4,000 pages, the film’s broad references make it more accessible. By interweaving thousands of media pieces, this directorial debut maintains a rapid pace while inviting viewers to delve deeper into its vast connections to Black history across time. – Jordan R. (full review)

      **Cover-Up (Laura Poitras, Mark Obenhaus)**

      Three years after the acclaimed *All the Beauty and the Bloodshed* won the Golden Lion at Venice, Laura Poitras presents another portrait in *Cover-Up*, co-directed with Mark Obenhaus. This documentary centers on Seymour (Sy) Hersh, the renowned journalist whose career spans from the 1960s to today. A title card reveals that Poitras approached Hersh nearly two decades prior, and after collaborating with Obenhaus on various projects, he finally agreed to participate in this endeavor. – Savina P. (full review)

      **Cutting Through Rocks (Sara Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni)**

      This captivating documentary highlights the story of Sara Shahverdi, a woman navigating patriarchy in her Iranian village. As the first elected councilwoman in her community, she fights to dismantle female societal norms of complacency under oppressive male authority.