Downhill (2020)
Over recent years Netflix has become one of the most prolific documentaries distributors in the entire world often distributing multiple new features each month. One of their most recent releases, Circus of Books, looks at the director's own family who despite being a standard American family even with a religious background, ends up running a hardcore gay porn store called the Circus of Books in Los Angeles.
With the director Rachel Mason being the daughter of the subjects in the documentary, Circus of Books is immediately able to bypass most of the work getting into the heart of its subject matter with the conversations with her parents feeling natural and open. Mason is able to go deeper in these interviews and gain more intimate footage than most due to naturally having the door open to these people's lives even outside of the set interview times. Where this would have made a good documentary, Mason brings the film to the next level focusing on a deeper story than just what happened at the bookstore. Her and her siblings provide a deep and memorable perspective into their lives and journeys of self-discovery which due to their parent's exposure to the LGBTQ+ community is honestly fascinating to watch. Despite working with and being deeply impactful on the LGBTQ+ community, at the time they were not overly supportive and open to their own children as they discovered who they were opening a door of nuance to the conversation surrounding acceptance. Time and time again there are stories of parents having a struggle accepting their children due to a lack of exposure to the community but that not being the case here makes the conversation fresh and important.
Past just the personal story within Circus of Books, the film also serves a much bigger purpose. Where there are countless other films that explore this time in LGBTQ+ history as far as pushes for activism and social revolution, Circus of Books offers a powerful look at the public everyday life of the LGBTQ+ community at the time. From the sanctuary that places such as Circus of Books provide to the true horrors of the Aids crisis. Circus of Books takes a time many young LGBTQ+ individuals have read about and brings it to life told by those who lived through it. The film also reaches an unexpected breakthrough regarding a message on the advancement in digital technology and the effect it has had on the community. The store and individuals highlighted in the film are some of the last remains of an old era who provide a perspective rarely seen which is fascinating. It is an incredibly captivating look at the modern history of the LGBTQ+ community that for those in the community will stand out as impactful and eye-opening.
The films brings a clear and previously unexplored take on these topics that left a real impact gave the film the substance needed to elevate it beyond most other films of the year so far. Especially for those in the LGBTQ+ community, Circus of Books is nearly a must watch being one of the most intriguing and enjoyable films of the year. Another example of the sheer talent being showcased on Netflix who luckily are given big platforms to shine on rather than fighting for attention on a smaller theatrical or VOD release.
The films brings a clear and previously unexplored take on these topics that left a real impact gave the film the substance needed to elevate it beyond most other films of the year so far. Especially for those in the LGBTQ+ community, Circus of Books is nearly a must watch being one of the most intriguing and enjoyable films of the year. Another example of the sheer talent being showcased on Netflix who luckily are given big platforms to shine on rather than fighting for attention on a smaller theatrical or VOD release.