Netflix documentary explores the groundbreaking magazine: The New Yorker celebrates 100 years

Director Marshall Curry, known for guiding young filmmakers on what makes a documentary idea work, notes that some stories suit magazine articles better than films. Yet, Curry found himself tackling this challenge with The New Yorker at 100, a new Netflix documentary celebrating the magazines centennial.

Trying to make a 90-minute film about the New Yorker is almost like making a 90-minute film about America, Curry remarks, highlighting the magazine's vast cultural footprint.

The documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary publication. Over the course of a year, Curry and his team delved into archives, observed editorial meetings, and shadowed the magazines staff, particularly longtime editor David Remnick.

Curry initially imagined capturing frantic moments leading up to the February 2025 centennial issue. Instead, he found the newsroom calm and deliberate, far from the chaotic dramatizations typical in film.

The New Yorkers enduring success lies in its commitment to quality and curiosity. Unlike competitors chasing fleeting trends, the magazine has cultivated a distinctive voice, blending cartoons, original art, and in-depth journalism, building a loyal readership along the way.

Currys own connection with the magazine started in his youth, gradually progressing from cartoons to full-length features, eventually leading to his lifelong subscription. His film mirrors this layered experience, featuring Julianne Moore as narrator and appearances by Jesse Eisenberg, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Molly Ringwald. Readers see celebrated cartoonist Roz Chast interact with her own work, while art editor Franoise Mouly navigates the centennial cover design amidst staff reporting assignments.

The documentary also reflects on the magazines history, from its early days as a humorous publication to tackling significant global events. Landmark pieces like John Herseys coverage of Hiroshima and James Baldwins civil rights essays exemplify the magazines growth into a serious journalistic force. Truman Capotes In Cold Blood led to the development of the magazines rigorous fact-checking department, a hallmark of its editorial precision.

While the film celebrates The New Yorkers accomplishments, it also acknowledges ongoing challenges. The magazine faces questions about its future leadership and labor relations, including union negotiations and recent staff departures. Despite these issues, Curry observed lively debates and diverse perspectives within the newsroom, demonstrating a healthy editorial discourse.

In anticipation of the films release, the magazine highlighted the work of photographer Ann Hermes, capturing the decline of local newspapersa reflection of the publications awareness of media evolution.

Curry likens The New Yorker to a small, exquisite restaurant: rather than mass-producing content for everyone, it offers carefully crafted journalism for devoted readers. The New Yorker at 100 is now streaming on Netflix.

Author: Grace Ellison