The History Of Concrete Review: A Soulful Look At Modern Life

John Wilson is back, and his latest project, The History of Concrete, is not quite what the title suggests. While it starts as an investigation into the building material that shapes our world, the film quickly shifts focus. Wilson captures the feeling of living in our modern era, using his signature style to document the world as it crumbles around us.

The documentary began after Wilson finished his previous television work. Feeling lost and without a crew, he started filming his own surroundings to process his creative slump. What follows is a series of accidental encounters, ranging from quirky house shows in New York City to unexpected stories about celebrities. Each turn feels like a happy accident, yet everything ties back to the central theme of how we live today.

What makes this film stand out is the way Wilson connects with his subjects. He uses his trademark narration, which balances dry humor with genuine curiosity, to point out the ironies of our daily lives. Even when the editing feels almost too perfect to be random, the film keeps an authentic human touch that feels miles away from the cold efficiency of modern technology.

Ultimately, the film argues that while our cities are built on aging, flawed concrete, our real strength comes from the connections we make with others. It is a messy, beautiful, and deeply personal look at why we try to build things in the first place. You can catch The History of Concrete in theaters starting September 18, 2026.