Buzz
If you haven’t tuned into HBO Max’s latest series The Rehearsal, you’re in for a treat. Created by Nathan Fielder (Nathan For You), this groundbreaking “reality” series shatters the boundaries between fact and fiction by crafting hyper-realistic simulations of individuals’ lives, allowing them to practice real-life events before they occur.
While the show defies easy explanation and stands in a league of its own, it draws inspiration from numerous films and TV series that creatively blend documentary and narrative styles. Here are 13 other productions that masterfully blur these lines in fascinating and unconventional ways.
Nathan for You (2013-2017)
Fans of The Rehearsal shouldn’t miss Nathan Fielder’s earlier venture into bizarre, reality-twisting comedy. While Nathan for You leans more toward humor and absurdity compared to The Rehearsal, it showcases Fielder’s signature deadpan delivery and intricate, outlandish schemes. However, unlike the nuanced emotional depth of The Rehearsal, this series focuses on generating laughs through its over-the-top antics.
Where to stream: HBO Max, Hulu, Paramount+, Prime Video
Mind Over Murder (2022)
This documentary series delves into a gripping true crime tale of wrongful conviction from the 1980s, where five individuals were arrested, tried, and found guilty for a murder they didn’t commit. The twist? A local community theater in the town where the crime occurred stages a re-enactment of the intricate legal drama, involving residents, including the victim’s family, who still hold the exonerated suspects responsible.
Where to stream: HBO Max
Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond (2017)
While Nathan Fielder is impressive, he owes much to pioneers like Andy Kaufman, the trailblazing comedian who blurred reality and surrealism. This documentary explores Kaufman’s career alongside Jim Carrey’s portrayal of him in The Man in the Moon. Jim & Andy claims to capture Carrey’s immersion into Kaufman’s persona during filming, but the film’s meta-narrative reveals how Carrey’s inability to fully embody Kaufman underscores the latter’s unparalleled genius in blurring the lines between sincerity and performance.
Where to stream: Netflix
The Beaver Trilogy: Part IV (2016)
In 1979, Trent Harris had a life-altering encounter with an eccentric young man in the parking lot of the small TV station where he worked. The original Beaver Trilogy chronicles the three films Harris created inspired by his brief interaction with “Groovin’ Gary:” a 1979 documentary, a 1981 reimagined version starring Sean Penn, and a 1984 expanded iteration featuring Crispin Glover. Beaver Trilogy: Part 4 explores the fate of the real Groovin’ Gary and delves into Harris’ peculiar, lifelong fascination with this fleeting moment.
Where to stream: The Roku Channel, Tubi, Plex
Synecdoche, New York (2008)
In Charlie Kaufman’s postmodern masterpiece, Philip Seymour Hoffman portrays a theater director consumed by his pursuit of realism. He constructs an elaborate set where actors live fabricated lives, mirroring the real people in his world. The film could easily be titled The Nathan Fielder Story, given its themes of blurred reality and obsession.
Where to stream: Hulu
Mirage Men (2013)
Reality manipulation isn’t limited to filmmakers and comedians—the government has mastered it too. Mirage Men reveals the U.S. Air Force’s extensive disinformation campaign targeting UFO researchers. While flying saucers may be a myth, the military’s efforts to discredit UFO enthusiasts were very real. Whether you believe this was to hide genuine alien evidence or to obscure experimental aircraft details depends on your level of conspiracy thinking. Regardless, it’s a riveting tale of government-led deception.
Where to stream: Vudu, Tubi, Kanopy, Pluto TV, Plex
The Truman Show (1998)
In The Truman Show, the protagonist slowly discovers his entire existence is a fabricated reality TV show and embarks on a journey to break free from his televised confinement. Interestingly, this fictional concept has seeped into real life, with psychologists identifying a condition called “The Truman Show Delusion” or “Truman Syndrome,” where individuals believe they are the stars of a reality show. Mind-bending, indeed.
Where to stream: HBO Max, MaxGo
The Hellstrom Chronicle (1971)
While the 1970s were known for their experimental culture, it’s baffling how The Hellstrom Chronicle earned a “Best Documentary” nomination at the Academy Awards. The film presents Nils Hellstrom, a fictional scientist, warning of an insect uprising to dominate the world. Despite its absurd premise, the movie showcases stunning macro-photography of insects, making it a visual oddity.
Where to stream: YouTube
Scare Tactics (2003-2008)
Hidden camera prank shows have existed since Candid Camera debuted in 1948, but they peaked in popularity during the early 2000s with shows like Punk’d, Jackass, and countless imitations. While the awkwardness of watching unsuspecting victims can be exhausting, Scare Tactics stood out by focusing on frightening people rather than merely irritating them. The show’s elaborate and absurd scenarios are oddly impressive, adding a unique twist to the genre.
Where to stream: Prime Video (only available for purchase)
Sherman’s March (1985)
Originally, Ross McElwee intended to create a documentary about Civil War general William Sherman’s infamous march. However, after a breakup, he pivoted to Sherman’s March, a film exploring his personal quest for love, interwoven with themes from Sherman’s life and the Civil War. This innovative, semi-comedic documentary blends reality and fiction in ways that remain captivating and thought-provoking.
Where to stream: Kanopy, OVID, Fandor
The Tom Green Show (1994-2000)
While The Tom Green Show may feel dated today, Tom Green was undeniably a trailblazer in absurdist and anti-comedy television, paving the way for shows like The Rehearsal. Beneath the show’s juvenile humor lies a fascinating exploration of how people react when normalcy is upended. Plus, its origins on Canadian public broadcasting lend it a certain credibility.
Where to stream: Not currently available for streaming, but there are tons of clips on YouTube.
F for Fake (1973)
Orson Welles’ final completed project masterfully merges documentary and fiction, described by Welles as “a film about deception and falsehood.” It delves into art forgery, creativity, the boundaries of fiction, and the essence of authenticity and authorship. Given Welles’ history of sparking panic with his alien invasion radio drama, he is uniquely suited to explore these themes, and this complex, thought-provoking film solidifies his legacy as one of cinema’s greatest directors.
Where to stream: HBO Max, The Criterion Channel
Marwencol (2010)
After a brutal attack in 2000 left Mark Hogancamp with brain damage and memory loss, he turned to an unconventional form of therapy. He built a 1/6-scale model of a Belgian village in his backyard, populating it with dolls representing people in his life, and enacted a detailed World War II narrative to cope with his trauma. This documentary captures his extraordinary story, highlighting the healing power of art. Skip the fictionalized remake Welcome to Marwen—this real-life tale is stranger and more emotionally resonant.
Where to stream: Kanopy, Topic, Apple TV (rental)
