Just in time for Veganuary – the challenge to follow a vegan diet for this entire month – Netflix has released a documentary presenting the positive health benefits of a plant-based diet.
While the limited series is already provoking much reaction and debate, it’s far from being the only small- or big-screen project to tackle the sometimes sensitive subject of veganism.
Here are 5 programmes, including Netflix’s, those who are interested in the topic should keep an eye out for.
‘You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment’
The latest documentary project to demonstrate the benefits of a plant-based diet, this series is based on the results of a Stanford University study released in November, which compared the impact of a vegan versus meat-eating diet in 22 pairs of identical twins.
Louie Psihoyos’ film sets out to highlight the influence of lifestyle factors, more than genetics, on health. Leading figures from the vegan world – such as star New York chef Daniel Humm, who went vegan in 2021, and Patrick O’Reilly Brown, founder of the alt-meat startup Impossible Foods – feature.
‘Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret’
Ten years ago, Netflix released a documentary highlighting the consequences of intensive livestock farming. Kip Andersen’s film uses shock and sensational tactics to expose the role of giant farms in climate disruption, species extinction, and water-resource depletion.
With its investigative format, the film encourages political reflection, calling out public authorities and environmental associations alike, denouncing their lack of commitment to finding sustainable solutions.
‘Some Like it Rare (Barbaque)’
In 2021, the French comedian Fabrice Eboué used veganism as a theme in this darkly humorous and irreverent cartoonish comedy starring actress Marina Foïs.
In a plot reminiscent of “Sweeney Todd”, the comedian plays a butcher who mistakenly kills a vegan activist, then ends up selling the body as meat in a bid to conceal the murder. But the commercial success of his customer-pleasing preparation gives the butcher new ideas…
‘Earthlings’
Narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, who makes no secret of his vegan diet, this documentary shocked viewers when it was released in 2005, using hidden cameras to show the real fate of farm animals.
The subject covers not only the animals we eat but also those used in the fur industry, medical research, and entertainment, such as circuses. Shaun Monson’s film provides a hard-hitting look at the consequences of animal exploitation.
‘Vegucated’
In 2011, filmmaker Marisa Miller Wolfson unveiled her documentary project that follows three New Yorkers, self-confessed lovers of meat and cheese, who agreed to adopt a vegan diet for six weeks.
“Vegucated” shows just how difficult this choice can be on a day-to-day basis, requiring perseverance and tenacity in those who are committed to the lifestyle.