Minimalismo: Menos es más

This felt like a cheesy Hillsong sermon. Originally these guys came across as authentic, now they look and sound like influencers. The monologues we're bizarrely overproduced and I found myself tuning out repeatedly.

Although I'm 100 percent in alignment with the basic message, I think as a documentary film it's very confused and frustrating. The basic issue I see is that it is presented in a "Ted Talk" monologue heavy style which comes across more as "presenting" versus simply talking to camera. It felt like a sales presentation not a heartfelt sharing of experiences even when dealing with issues like the death of a parent and the impact it had. I guess in some ways they ARE selling (their books, events etc) but, to me, the awkward format is hindering that goal not supporting it. As a video producer I know first hand when a video camera is brought into the situation how people are so nervous to do the most simple thing in the world which is just to have conversation - reciting memorized speeches to camera or reading off a teleprompter doesn't come across as genuine for the vast majority of people and this film is a great example of how NOT to produce a documentary.

I had been a fan of The Minimalists for years since they launched their first website. I used to be excited for their blog posts and updates but a lot has changed since then. This movie is nothing more than an extended version of their TEDx talk. It is made of scripted phrases that they've kept repeating for years. I know they've got corporate background but life is not a corporation! It all sounds fake. One guy trying to sell us his recipe for success using his mom's death. The other one is simply not convincing with how fake the words sound in his mouth. Pure cringe at times. I'm not saying this as a hater but as a disappointed fan of something that used to be original and helpful. They just turned it into a product and production while mass consumption is what they've said to be fighting with.

If you want to learn what minimalism is or how it can help you, you won't get this from this documentary. This feels like the rehash of the first one, and it's basically a retelling of the TED talk that you can find on YouTube. There is nearly nothing new of substance in here, unfortunately.

The documentary starts by selling us a premise of "you'll learn why less is more but for that, you need to learn our story first". But the fact is we never get past their story, I was listening through stories of Josh and Ryan and was waiting for the "actual documentary" to start. But it never starts.

It touches multiple issues, it feels like it lacks substance and direction. This is a documentary about Joshua and Ryan - not about minimalism, keep that in mind.

The camera work and the choice of secondary guests is great, and I wanted to see more of that and more of them. Josh and Ryan, despite being prominent figures in the minimalism scene, are not relatable for most viewers.

Unfortunately, the criticisms from the first document, are even truer in this one and both Josh and Ryan often feel like they are humble bragging their wealth, six figures, their cars, or houses and telling us how awesome it is when you decide not to have it. I believe they are honest and if I ever have as much as they - I will try to live within my means. It feels very pretentious.

While I understand the message - don't buy a BMW on credit if you can't afford it - most people don't have the luxury of NOT taking debt to own a house or a flat.

If you wish to learn about minimalism: I highly recommend Matt D'Avella's YouTube channel (he is "behind the camera" in this one), the TED talk by The Minimalists or even the first documentary, not this one.

3 stars only for the people that had to listen to this BS being filmed because they had to put up with it. There are two narrators and the show ended up being more about them and less about the concept itself. Netflix is usually great with docs, but this one...smh! Whatever happened to just sit down and say what you have to say? The dialogues in this show felt very manufactured and artificial, with perfect pauses between words, great cinematic lighting and camera work. Sounded more like a fake TED talk minus substance. Missed opportunity. There are a few good quotes and if you take out everything else, this would be a 5-10 min documentary. Watch it when you're doing the dishes/cleaning.