Shockingly, a documentary about concrete does not have to feel equivalent to watching paint dry. This is true only because of the mastermind behind the project: John Wilson. If it had been another other filmmaker, The History of Concrete would most certainly be a slog. How could it not? The History of Concrete encapsulates the beauty, skill, and ingenuity that John Wilson has built his brand around: turning the mundane into humorous and outright unforgettable moments.

How To Make a Rock Solid Doc

For fans of his HBO series How To with John Wilson, The History of Concrete plays like an extended episode. It’s delightful; his signature on-the-nose puns and observational archival footage are on full display. Using New York City as his backdrop once again, John hones in on his subject matter: concrete. Inspiration is all around him, from the streets to buildings to bridges, and more. Realizing that there is a lack of knowledge on the material that surrounds New Yorkers the most, he sets out to create the definitive documentary on concrete.

To no one’s surprise, it’s a tough sell. To up the appeal, John applies the “industry-approved Hallmark formula” to increase the film’s chances of success. Despite riveting conversations with blue collar workers who educate John on the difference between concrete and cement and street cleaners who proudly declare that “gum is like the birdshit of people,” he struggles to keep his artistic freedom from getting lost in the modern film industry’s need for a “happily ever after.”

Poetic Commentary Expressed Through Deadpan Satire

John Wilson is known for his archival footage that captures the weird and wacky side of NYC life. Through his films & docuseries, he offers more than just entertainment. His work is a poetic commentary on the state of society, usually under a darkly humorous and deadpan lens. The tapestry of comedic moments he weaves together through cunning voiceovers with perfectly paired archival footage is the work of a true artist. Aiding in the film’s impact is the score by legendary electronic artist Suzanne Ciani. Notable EP’s include Josh Safdie and Ronald Bronstein of Marty Supreme, which makes a special appearance in The History of Concrete.

Takeaway

Unique in execution and subject matter, The History of Concrete is a surprisingly fun watch. It also leaves audiences with a sobering reminder that nothing lasts forever… except maybe a tombstone. The film made its World Premiere at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.