The Minimalists: Less Is Now Review
The duo returns for their second documentary film on Netflix.
Less is Now is the follow up to the Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things. It felt like a smooth and easy sophomore project to watch for the large part. 2020 gave us The Social Dilemma. 2021 gives us Less Is Now. I thought the introduction segment did seem like a subtle crossover and neat intertwining between the two as The Social Dilemma delivered a dramatized “shock and awe” cautionary tale on social media and digital addiction whilst Less Is Now is implying that 21st century addiction is now fundamentally based on material possession. Less Is Now felt like recap of the first documentary film by The Minimalists, albeit a slightly shorter version in length. It’s almost like a second take rather than something new or a progression from the original. The combination of statistics, information graphics and news clips (all seemingly carefully sourced, selected and curated) in order to give a sense of credibility.
Presenting information for the sake of hard stats and figures lacks human connection so the personable nature of the duo balances out the content and overall watchability of Less Is Now. Providing more background and context to the pair as people by through personal anecdotes help the audience to understand how the duo have come to be how and as they are. Make no mistake though, The Minimalists and Minimalism isn’t some fad, new movement or trend and Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus aren’t future cult leaders, they’re just friendly dynamic and eloquent guys trying to engage with people.
The Minimalist’s concept of decluttering and getting rid of the stems from trying to live a less complicated and simpler life by taking away distractions and vices that occupy our thoughts and mind excess to in order to make way for what really matters. That’s the intention or theory and the process of minimalizing is the practical application and cause of action. The need to fill void and the hunger of always wanting more has led to people believe acquiring things and stuff in the pursuit of happiness but ultimately always fall short and just finite source of contentment at best. It’s not sustainable, it’s just a short-term gain until the want and need for something comes through again. They don’t force their thoughts and opinions on you to convert you; Minimalism is a tool, not a religion. They aren’t pitching you a product or a service either what they do instead is to try and open you up to the idea of possibly living a better and happier life through the elimination of “excess stuff”, to make room and space “the important things”.
It’s not about Less Is More, it’s more like Less can lead to More perhaps. It’s a nice idea. It’s certainly not intrusive, perverse or unnatural. It’s not witchcraft. They’re not telling you to turn your life upside down or promoting poverty. At their core what they try to do if anything, is to make you take inventory. Look at your possessions and ask yourself the following: Do I need this? Does it have purpose? Does it give me joy? Perhaps the reason why it’s titled Less Is Now was to serve as a prompt to viewers. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that it was released and made available this January and early into the New Year. In fact, I think this might’ve been a conscious and a strategic move by both The Minimalists and Netflix itself. There’s always an array of articles, tips and media generated around this time, ranging from themes such as improvement, making better choices and being more well informed, changing habits, adopting new mindsets, regimes and routines as well as trying new things.
January is prime time to reset, re-evaluate and rethink, so the documentary seems to fall in line and follow suit in that regard. It was probably done to convey a sense relatability and approachability with people new to them, as well as build on connections made with those familiar with them already. It doesn’t feel like they’re jumping on the bandwagon or exploiting this, not at all, but I did find myself asking whether or not it was needed. The podcasts, books and YouTube videos available by them are more than enough body of work. I couldn’t help but feel almost like a performance and re-enactment of sort. Stories told about their past and delved a little into their personal life which played a clear role into how they ended up becoming what and whom they are now. I suppose that the visuals and the structure of portrayal was just a natural storytelling element that added another layer and opportunity to help them resonate and connect with the audience.
Seeing them speak about their life through anecdotes, instead of just hearing voiceovers does provide more chances to create rapport with viewers new and current through seeing them on screen. I don’t think these more personal stories were done to add elements of drama necessarily but perhaps were added for the benefit of those new to them primarily. You could watch either of their documentaries and the message and subject matter would largely be the same. You wouldn’t have to be inclined to watch the other, you wouldn’t lose out or miss anything substantial because of how similar they are in principal and delivery.
I think the only criticisms I could find and have about the documentary film was that it didn’t have the impact the first did. The new documentary doesn’t present anything new or different. It falls short of the thought-provoking ideas and concepts the first film had. This second outing just feels too close and too familiar to the original. The overall effect could have been greater if they tweaked their formula in storytelling and narrative and tinkered around more.
Whilst I still watched the second and engaged with it, it felt flat and not as satisfying or as intriguing as the first, admittedly that’s probably because The Minimalists and Minimalism are no longer new to me now. I’m familiar with and know their message and motto because ever since the first film came out in 2016, I’ve listened to them and kept up with them through their podcasts which, to be frank will always have more value and meaning to me than their films. The depth and variety of their audio content will always be more worthwhile and engaging to me personally. This documentary is far more likely to be entertaining and better received by new audiences.
