Acclaimed filmmaker Julia Reichert may have left a void in the world of documentary filmmaking before her passing in 2022 at the age of 76, but her legacy lives on. Julia’s Stepping Stones, a poignant documentary short, has found a new home on Netflix, offering an intimate glimpse into Reichert’s remarkable life and career, ensuring her impact on the film world continues to inspire future generations.
Some of Reichert’s most memorable work includes American Factory, A Lion in the House, The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant, Union Maids, 9to5: The Story of A Movement, and Growing Up Female.
In this documentary, we learn more about Reichert and her work, and here’s our review of the same!
Julia Reichert’s Timeless Legacy
Netflix’s platform is typically reserved for feature-length documentaries and docuseries, making Julia Reichert’s 32-minute documentary short a welcome surprise. Although the concise runtime provides a compelling glimpse into the life of the Academy Award-winning filmmaker, it’s hard not to crave a more in-depth exploration of her remarkable career.
Julia’s Stepping Stones begins in the Summer of 2009 where we see Reichert hard at work, in her element, doing what she does best despite the stressful deadlines that surround her. Following this, we catch a glimpse of a very young Reichert spending a typical day in Jersey Shore without any shoes or shirt as a whimsical tone plays in the background.
Reichert’s personal narration offers a candid glimpse into her life, revealing the curiosity that shaped her journey. The documentary’s screenplay has an endearingly informal tone, akin to Reichert sharing stories from her personal diary.
This conversational approach creates a sense of intimacy, allowing viewers to connect with Reichert’s life, family, and loved ones on a deeper level.
As Reichert recounts her life’s journey, from humble beginnings to remarkable accomplishments, her poignant storytelling evokes a profound emotional response. With disarming candor, she shares her life’s “stepping stones,” leaving a legacy that will inspire, educate, and resonate with audiences for generations to come.
Reichert’s life story is the kind that will resonate with several people across the world, especially women who have aspirations and hesitations to achieve them. A woman who helped the women’s movement grow, a woman who told stories like never before, and a woman who chased after her dreams with several stepping stones along the way are only a part of Reichert’s timeless legacy, and you can witness it is Julia’s Stepping Stones on Netflix.
Conclusion
Julia’s Stepping Stones won’t take up too much of your time and will have a lasting impact, which is why we believe it belongs on your watchlist!