This August, a wave of new films and shows has hit HBO Max. Among the fresh offerings, documentarians are buzzing about a particular new series that has finally premiered, and I can confidently say after viewing the initial episode, it has exceeded expectations.
Monsters of God is a gripping docuseries created by the mind behind some of the streaming world’s most unusual animal-focused narratives. It’s my top recommendation for the weekend. Also worth checking out are two starkly different features: a deep dive into the life of a Beatles star directed by a cinematic legend, and a mesmerizing exploration of the vibrant blues of the ocean, promising a weekend filled with diversity.
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George Harrison: Living in the Material World
Scorsese’s personal view of the tranquil Beatle
Martin Scorsese’s heartfelt 2011 homage to George Harrison is among my all-time favorite music documentaries. It captures the remarkable journey of my favorite Beatle while demonstrating Scorsese’s delicate touch—known for his grand musical documentaries like The Last Waltz and No Direction Home—in portraying the nuanced essence of Harrison’s life.
George Harrison: Living in the Material World runs for three hours and twenty-eight minutes, providing a comprehensive look at Harrison’s journey as a musician, spiritual seeker, philanthropist, and filmmaker. This Emmy-winning documentary spans his early days in Liverpool, the madness of Beatlemania, his spiritual journey, and his solo career, including All Things Must Pass and his work with the Traveling Wilburys, along with his love for cinema and ties to Monty Python.
Scorsese skillfully combines archival footage, personal videos, rare photographs, and heartfelt interviews featuring Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Harrison’s wife Olivia, and their son Dhani. Divided into two segments, the film is an intimate portrayal that reveals the often misrepresented Beatle.
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Blue Planet II
Attenborough’s voice enhances any relaxing Sunday
Sometimes you just need stunning visuals of the natural world—with a touch of environmental appeal—to complete your weekend. And when they come along with the smooth narration of the esteemed British naturalist, Sir David Attenborough (celebrating his 100th birthday!), it can leave you feeling fulfilled.
Blue Planet II is a benchmark in nature programming, having been the most-viewed UK television show in 2017, and its excellence remains undeniable. This series spans seven captivating episodes, diving into the planet’s oceans and showcasing extraordinary marine life—from playful dolphins and ingenious tuskfish to icy-dwelling creatures with antifreeze in their blood, alongside sharks, turtles, and more.
The spectacular filming comes from over four years, involving 135 expeditions across 39 countries and 6,000 hours of diving. Many of these moments highlight previously undocumented animal behaviors. The series features a hauntingly beautiful score by Hans Zimmer, complemented by a reworked rendition of Bloom from Radiohead’s King of Limbs.
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Monsters of God
From the creators of Tiger King, a closer look at reptile smuggling
Right from the start of HBO’s eagerly awaited new docuseries, Monsters of God, we are introduced to Al Killian, a snake enthusiast who just avoids a bite from his beloved pet king cobra. The story unfolds, revealing the treacherous world of illegal reptile trade. Director Eric Goode—famous for Tiger King—successfully uncovers the eccentricities and conflicts of the trade.
Launched on August 6, this five-part HBO Original series explores the multi-billion-dollar industry of illegal reptile trafficking. Similar to Goode’s exploration of the bitter conflict between Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin, Monsters of God intricately details the rivalry between dealers Hank Molt and Tommy Crutchfield, delving into a scandal involving iguana trafficking and the scrutiny of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The series casts a broad net, involving smugglers, international crime organizations, and even legitimate zoos. Alongside vibrant interviews featuring Molt, Crutchfield, and former DEA agent Larry Loveless, later episodes will spotlight Malaysian kingpin Anson Wong. New episodes debut each Thursday, concluding on September 3.
Our coverage goes beyond documentaries
From Beatles to marine life and reptiles, documentaries offer fascinating insights into the intriguing facets of life. You can discover the best docs weekly here, but for recommendations on the latest shows and movies streaming today, we cover it all extensively in our streaming section.
