These peculiar docus on Curiosity Stream will leave you stunned, surprised and inspired

Documentaries that move us the most are inevitably those that introduce us to human existence grappling with the most peculiar circumstances. Stories of those who’ve defied biological or social limitations to tread on paths less ordinary. They are, after all, driven by such incredible passion and conviction that they are able to shatter myths and achieve the impossible. From 90-year-old athletes to children raised by wild animals, here are some such documentaries that will shock, surprise, and enlighten you about worlds, individuals, and communities that will leave you baffled.

Rent A Family Inc.

There couldn’t be a more telling example of the insular lives that many Japanese lead than the popular service in Japan where one has the option of renting a family. This documentary follows the life of Ryuichi, who runs an online business that allows one to temporarily rent a spouse, friend, colleague or family member. Doing so, helps them negotiate the gap in their social lives and also improves their sense of self-worth. Invested in this bizarre business, we find Ryuichi leading a double life – one where he has a family and a day job and another, where he offers his companionship and services for rent to those who seek it. How will his family respond when they learn about his peculiar side hustle? What are the social implications of opting for transactional relationships? These are just a few revelations offered in this documentary that give us a glimpse into a repressed and lonely populace.

Children Of The Wild

Feral children or those raised by animals have forever been a part of folklore and popular fiction. Rudyard Kipling’s Mowgli would be the first to spring to mind. But did you know that there are children who have actually been plucked from their families and raised by wild animals including bears, and wolves among others?This documentary introduces us to one such child, Uganda’s John Ssebunya, who is dubbed ‘monkey boy’ as he is raised in the wilderness. Deprived of human connection, such children often find it difficult to accept or adjust when attempting to return to civilization. And these are just a few of the many challenges faced by such children who struggle to communicate and rationally consider human constructs.

The Pacemakers

Most nonagenarians are known to struggle with mundane tasks. Having reached the winter of their lives, with weathered motor skills and a cloudy mind, even being able to coherently convey a single thought would be considered a feat no less. But this documentary throws light on remarkable 90-year-olds who’ve taken to running at an age when knees are only trained to buckle at the slightest bit of strain. The euphemism in the title may be jarring but the compelling stories of these relentless elderly athletes are at once heart-warming and inspiring. From their race prep to the final tournament where you see these silver-haired sprinters giving it their all, this is an account of remarkable conviction and inimitable drive. Negotiating a world that seems alien from the one they’ve lived in their prime, this film also conveys that for some, attempting such athletic feats may be the only way to stay relevant and even wanted.

Jago: A Life Underwater

We’ve all familiar with the wonders of the underwater world thanks to those shows on Discovery Channel that have given us a peek into a world virtually inaccessible to man. But this documentary features the story of an octogenarian from Indonesia’s remote Togian Islands who has mastered the art of diving into the sea bed by holding his breath and without any equipment. The hunter narrates his childhood fascination with the sea that grew into an obsession and how he mastered the art of hunting underwater. The non-fiction film also delves into how the man’s personal relations were scarred as they couldn’t keep up with or accept his curious life choices. This film drafts a singular profile that’s equally inspiring as it is anxiety-inducing. Every time this 80-year-old dives into the sea and subsequently, swishes past aquatic beings, one can’t help but fear for his well-being.

Well that's the List hai toh hit hai episode for today , until the next one it's your host Nikhil signing out.

Aaj kya dekhoge OTTplay se poocho

Written by Kunal Guha