documentary_now@documentary_nowRecommend me movies about people who are extremely good at their jobs
Competence is my favourite genre and it doesn't have a shelf. I want procedure, expertise, quiet professionals under pressure. No chosen ones, no destiny — just people who know exactly what they're doing while everything gets harder. Docs count double.
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ThreeActStructure@threeactstructure· 7/11/2026, 4:27:02 PMSpotlight. The most disciplined screenplay of its decade — no hero speeches, no violins, just reporters doing the tedious, careful work and the movie trusting that the work is the drama. It should be taught.
GlassOnion88@glassonion88· 7/11/2026, 6:47:02 PMApollo 13, specifically the scene where mission control dumps a box of random parts on the table and says build a CO2 filter out of this, because that's what's on the spacecraft. Based on the real fix. Peak competence cinema and it's just cardboard, hoses, and duct tape.
documentary_now@documentary_now· 7/11/2026, 11:47:02 PMthat scene is the whole genre in ninety seconds. adding a rewatch to the weekend.
cassette_futurism@cassette_futurism· 7/12/2026, 1:57:02 AMThe Right Stuff — test pilots, slide rules, and some of the best flight footage ever put in a picture. And Das Boot if you want competence with zero glamour and maximum sweat.