Written by Zeldi Smulders

They say less is more, but has this phrase become more of a casual saying and less of a reality in today’s consumer-driven society? Challenging the notion of what brings real happiness, Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things takes viewers on a road trip across America and provides insight into the lives of several individuals who have adopted a minimalistic approach to their lives.

How do you decipher a concept like minimalism? You keep things simple, of course 👌

May’s Binge - Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things

“Minimalism is the thing that gets us past the things so we can make room for life’s important things—
which aren’t things at all.”

Directed by Matt D’Avella, this documentary zooms in on modern-day overconsumption and the environmental, social and psychological effects of compulsive consumerism. To turn things around, The Minimalists, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, are on a mission to help people live meaningful lives by reminding them of what’s really important.

The sustainability factor

Overall: 3/5

Overconsumption is not only polluting our way of life but also causing the degradation of our habitat. There is excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere caused by burning oil, natural gas, and coal — all the fuels used to give power to the consumer economy, i.e. producing more products to buy. 

While the main focus of the documentary is not on purchasing more eco-friendly products, it is the adoption of sustainable and eco-conscious practices such as having a capsule wardrobe or breaking bad habits like spending money faster than you earn it, that supports the global sustainability movement in its own right. Other discernible practices adopted by the minimalism community include donating items they no longer need, developing spaces with lower footprints, and moving into more sustainable ‘tiny houses’. All speak to the notion that we will not be able to achieve the environmental goals we’ve set if we continue doing things as we’ve always done them.  

The Viatu review

Themes:

Quality over quantity; having less and taking care of what you do have. Throughout the documentary, those involved reiterate that the focus is not only on having less but on making space for more important things. Likewise, the problem does not lie with consumption but rather compulsory consumption, which results in us buying more stuff just because that is the norm.

Production:

Including people from all walks of life, albeit only American, the documentary engages professionals like neuropsychologists, designers, entrepreneurs, authors of relevant books, and even a former Wall Street broker. Slowly drifting from one focus point to another, they try to capture the root of the problem and how people are taking action and finding solutions to the problem today. Whilst a lot of the scenes are somewhat self-promotional for The Minimalists, the documentary successfully gets the message across that things need to (and can) change and that the time to act is now.

What makes it different: 

This documentary is not just about getting rid of your stuff, but taking control of your life by taking a step back to determine what’s important. It asks you to open your mind and form your own perception as you put yourself in the featured individuals’ (limited pairs of) shoes. For those who are new to the idea of minimalistic living, this documentary is an easy introduction to the topic even if it is altogether more inspirational than instructional.

In the end, the documentary leaves you with the message that escaping from the world is not going to change it but rather practising empathy and mindfulness while being responsible towards our planet and ecosystem by ultimately building an intentional life that is good for you and those around you.

May’s Netflix & Change is a reminder that if you want to change the world, you should start with yourself. More freedom, more thoughtfulness, more life. At Viatu, we love authentic, worthwhile experiences like going on life-changing trips that benefit the chosen destination and leave you satisfied. Follow our journey on Instagram to learn more.