Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things (Matt D'Avella, 2015, USA)

Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things is a 2015 documentary by Matt D'Avella about the burgeoning minimalist movement. Centering on the trajectory of two minimalists - Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus - the film explores the movement. The film is principally a chronicling of the two young men's book tour, interspersed with stock footage of Americans looking at their phones, as well as talking heads, many of whom will be familiar to those in the podcasting world (Sam Harris, Dan Harris).

Nicodemus and Millburn, while seemingly nice guys, are perhaps not the most fascinating subjects for exploring this topic. Their stories are not that compelling. In other words, we don't have a great sense here of what sacrifices they made going from a consumerist or maximalist lifestyle to a minimalist lifestyle. More compelling are the subjects interviewed in the film who moved into mini-homes. This is quite extreme move and represents something radically different than what one might expect. Also more compelling are the subjects in the films who have managed to balance a minimalist lifestyle with rearing children and having families.

The film is also lacking regarding exploring why American society has become so maximalist, and also the potential consequences of such a society. Juliet Schor, the economist and sociologist, offers the most insightful commentary of any of the talking heads. However, the film ultimately feels more like an infomercial for Millburn and Nicodemus's book tour than an actual exploration of the subject of consumerism and the benefits of minimalism. The popularity of the film on YouTube attests to the fact that the minimalist lifestyle is resonating with more people. However, this film is certainly not the best exploration of that lifestyle and its associated benefits and challenges. We need a better film on this subject.

5/10