Ep 1. Sandy Passage

In the first episode of Documentary Now!, titled "Sandy Passage," a pair of filmmakers sets out to capture the idyllic charm of a small New England town. The town, also called Sandy Passage, is filled with quaint buildings and picturesque scenery, which the filmmakers hope to capture in their documentary. However, as they delve deeper into the town's history and inhabitants, they begin to uncover a darker side of the community.

The filmmakers are played by SNL alumni Bill Hader and Fred Armisen, who also co-created the series with Seth Meyers. Hader plays Parker Gail, a documentary filmmaker with a pretentious streak and a passion for finding the hidden truths of his subjects. Armisen plays a more laid-back character named Fredrick Sackville-Bagg, who is content to let Parker take the lead on their project.

As they arrive in Sandy Passage, the filmmakers are immediately struck by the charm of the town. They interview local residents, including a retired lobster fisherman, a baker, and a man who claims to be the town "historian." All of the interviewees speak fondly of Sandy Passage and its history, and the filmmakers seem to be on track to create a heartwarming documentary about a beloved small-town community.

However, as they continue their interviews, the filmmakers begin to notice some strange things about Sandy Passage. The retired fisherman tells a story about a mysterious disappearance that occurred years ago, and the historian's tales of the town's founding seem to be riddled with inconsistencies. Parker and Fredrick become increasingly fascinated by the town's secrets, and they start to uncover a web of intrigue and deception that threatens to upend their documentary.

One of the standout elements of "Sandy Passage" is its parodic tone. The episode is clearly meant to poke fun at the earnestness of traditional documentaries, with the filmmakers taking their subjects and themselves far too seriously. This is especially evident in the various shots of Parker and Fredrick staring thoughtfully into the distance, as if they are pondering the great mysteries of life.

Another strength of the episode is its visual style. The filmmakers use a variety of techniques to create a docu-style aesthetic, including shaky handheld cameras and a muted color palette. These techniques lend the show a sense of authenticity and make it feel like a real documentary.

Despite its humorous elements, "Sandy Passage" also has a darker side. As the filmmakers peel back the layers of the town's history, they uncover some disturbing truths about its residents and their motivations. The episode raises questions about the nature of truth and the way we construct narratives about our communities, and it ultimately leaves the viewer with a sense of unease.

Overall, "Sandy Passage" is a strong start to the first season of Documentary Now!. It sets the tone for the rest of the series, which lovingly satirizes the various tropes and conventions of the documentary genre. The episode is a great showcase for Hader and Armisen's comedic talents, and it demonstrates the show's ability to balance humor with deeper, more complex themes.