Discover 3 Must-See HBO Max Documentaries for Your Weekend Viewing (July 3-5)
In June, HBO Max enjoyed significant success with the ongoing third season of House of the Dragon, while Larry David humorously scrutinized 250 years of U.S. history coinciding with Independence Day. Yet, once the excitement of dragons fades, the platform’s collection of intriguing real-life documentaries remains compelling.
This weekend (July 3-5), I have selected three documentaries highlighting individuals who challenge societal norms: a group advocating for religious freedoms, a 1970s television personality known for her crocheted bikinis and First Amendment battles, and a roots-rock band that experienced both triumph and disbandment. Here’s my ranking from good to best.
3
Hail Satan?
How satirical Satanists challenged church and state
It’s essential to clarify that The Satanic Temple, the focus of acclaimed director Penny Lane’s 2019 documentary Hail Satan?, does not actually worship Satan. This film explores how this activist group strategically used Satanic symbols to reveal hypocrisy and advocate for the separation of church and state in a surprisingly entertaining manner.
In its 95 minutes, the documentary outlines the Temple’s journey from a 2013 rally in Florida to its audacious campaign to erect a nine-foot statue of Baphomet on Arkansas’s capitol grounds. Key figures include co-founder Lucien Greaves and ex-Detroit leader Jex Blackmore, who confront their most significant critic, state senator Jason Rapert.
Hail Satan? combines real footage, news reports, and interviews, creating a wickedly humorous narrative. The film garnered acclaim at Sundance and boasts a 96% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
2
Bang My Box: The Robin Byrd Story
A provocative cable pioneer’s fight for free speech
Newly available on HBO Max as of June 30, this vibrant documentary celebrates Robin Byrd, a public-access TV figure from New York known for her crocheted bikini style and her role as an unexpected advocate for free speech and LGBTQ+ representation.
From 1977 to 1998, The Robin Byrd Show dominated Manhattan’s public-access channel, inviting adult entertainers to share a stage in a sex-positive space, concluding each episode with her theme song, Bang My Box. This documentary details how her show became a beacon of hope amid the AIDS crisis and chronicles her legal battle against censorship from Time Warner, culminating in a landmark Supreme Court victory.
Featuring rare archival material and personal interviews, Bang My Box: The Robin Byrd Story reveals Byrd at nearly 70, reflecting on her legacy while caring for her husband, Shelly, who is living with dementia. Esteemed personalities like Annie Sprinkle and Sandra Bernhard pay homage in this engaging 79-minute feature. While it currently lacks a Rotten Tomatoes score, early reviews are promising.
1
Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band
The rise and heartbreaking split of an iconic band
Known for classic hits like The Weight and Up on Cripple Creek, how much do you truly understand about the legendary ’60s and ’70s rock group, The Band? Directly inspired by Robbie Robertson’s memoir, Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band paints a rich portrait of the group, featuring footage from both their stellar career and their emotional disintegration.
The documentary narrates the band’s evolution from supporting artists like Ronnie Hawkins to collaborating with Bob Dylan, ultimately achieving their own acclaim. It uncovers the brotherhood and camaraderie that characterized their journey before the addiction struggles led to their collapse in 1976, highlighted in Martin Scorsese’s celebrated film The Last Waltz.
Director Daniel Roher combines rare archival images, interviews with Robertson and his ex-wife, alongside contributions from legends like Bruce Springsteen and Eric Clapton, creating a powerful reunion of musical histories. It holds an 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it a must-watch.
Cheeky July
It’s interesting how figures once deemed controversial ascend to iconic status over time. So, settle in and explore these captivating stories. If they’re not to your taste, check out other viewing suggestions available.
