Documentary Review
It is a documentary by director Louie Psihoyos, that follows a scientific experiment evolving around nutrition. It is based on an 8-week study conducted by Stanford University that put 22 sets of genetically identical twins on opposing (but healthy) diets: omnivore and vegan. It was released on January 1, 2024 on Netflix. Of the 22 sets of twins, the series focused on four pairs: Carolyn and Rosalyn, Pam and Wendy, John and Jevon as well as Michael and Charlie.
Why did the twins, the documentary focused on, participate and what were the outcomes for them?
Carolyn and Rosalyn participated in the study with the goal of „increasing Filipino representation in scientific studies“. After the study, both returned to an omnivorous diet but now include more plant-based meals. Pam (vegan) and Wendy (omnivore) are chefs who run a catering company. After the study, they returned to an omnivorous diet but reduced their intake of meat and cheese. John (vegan) and Jevon (omnivore) are nursing students who also like to work out. After the study, they both returned to an omnivorous diet but cut out most red meat from their diet. Michael (omnivore) and Charlie (vegan) own a cheese business and are known as „The Cheese Twins.“ Prior to the study, Michael was a pescetarian, and Charlie an omnivore. After the study, Michael became a vegetarian, and Charlie now follows a mostly vegetarian diet [You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment, Wikipedia].
What did I think of the documentary?
I thought it was a great documentary. I have watched many documentaries, and also a lot produced by Netflix. This one was one of the best. The study was very well followed, and it was hardly manipulated for the viewer. They did not show all the outcomes, and probably showed the ones working towards their agenda. But I really liked the different journeys, the documentary took me one. From the mayor of New York, a Michelin Chef to a family, living next to large pig farms. They touched based with many topics, and I learned a lot. Even though my knowledge level in these areas was already rather high. Especially the part about the salmon farms was new to me. Also that there are different types of fats in the body, which are more or less dangerous, was news to me. The only critic I have is that it is very focused on showing minorities. It does seem to have an Agenda in that regard, but I thought it was not a problem.
Apart from the informational value, the documentary had nice aesthetics. Especially the food was nicely filmed. It reminded me of Chef’s table even.
The overall experience was great, and I would recommend watching it. It was also not too preachy, which I liked. It is definitely for everyone.
Also great:
- Cowspiracy
- Fantastic Fungi
- Somebody Feed Phil
- Salt Fat Acid Heat
- The College Admission Scandal