John Wilson's documentary, "The History of Concrete," premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival and is currently seeking U.S. distribution. The film explores various subjects using concrete as a central metaphor, examining themes of permanence, change, and how individuals construct meaning. Wilson, known for his HBO series "How to With John Wilson," applies an approach inspired by Hallmark movie formulas to present the documentary's content.
Film's Premise and Structure
"The History of Concrete" follows filmmaker John Wilson's activities after the conclusion of his HBO series and documents the process of developing a new project. The film's premise involves Wilson attempting to apply a Hallmark movie formula to a documentary about concrete. This approach was reportedly inspired by his attendance at a workshop on writing and selling Hallmark movies and a specific Hallmark film focusing on an affordable housing developer.
The documentary is structured to explore the relationship between order and entropy and the human endeavor to create meaning from diverse experiences. Wilson's method involves organizing disparate visual and narrative elements to form a cohesive perspective.
Themes and Metaphors
Concrete, identified as the second most-used material globally after water, serves as a significant metaphor within the film. It is utilized to connect themes of permanence and ephemerality, and acts as a symbol of decay and change. The film explores how individuals construct meaning in a world characterized by change and uncertainty.
Key themes addressed include death, impermanence, and the constant nature of change. It also delves into navigating periods of transition and the challenges faced by documentary filmmakers. The film suggests that individuals create their own frameworks for understanding the world, finding stability through patterns and associations, with an aim to provide a sense of order amid complexities.
Content and Segments
The documentary incorporates Wilson's characteristic visual collages and tangents, drawing parallels to his previous work where seemingly mundane subjects, such as scaffolding, reveal broader human themes. It includes a range of content and segments, such as:
- References to DMX, Hallmark movies, and Kim Kardashian.
- Public health incidents.
- A profile of a pioneering Asian American judge.
- A 3D-printed Starbucks.
- A long-distance footrace.
- A profile of musician Jack Macco.
- A junior bricklaying competition.
- A 3,100-mile race around a single block in Queens.
Connections are drawn between elements such as the Sri Chinmoy ultramarathon, Tibetan sand mandalas, and the practice of preserving inked skin. The film also presents various characters and their perspectives.
Filmmaker Background and Reception
John Wilson is recognized for his observational style, which blends documentary, essay, and memoir elements. His prior HBO series, "How To With John Wilson," examined aspects of modern urban life through practical guides and contributed to his increased public recognition. "The History of Concrete" has been noted for its length.