Join or Die

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Join or Die

Released Jul 19

1h 33m

Documentary

History

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Popcornmeter

95%

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20 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Join or Die is a film about why you should join a club -- and why the fate of America depends on it. In this feature documentary, follow the half-century story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking "Bowling Alone" research into America's decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our democracy's present crisis. Flanked by influential fans and scholars -- from Hillary Clinton, Pete Buttigieg, and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to Eddie Glaude Jr., Raj Chetty, and Priya Parker -- as well as inspiring groups building community in neighborhoods across the country, join Bob as he explores three urgent civic questions: What makes democracy work? Why is American democracy in crisis? And, most importantly... what can we do about it?

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Nina Metz

Chicago Tribune

If you’ve been feeling depleted and disconnected from a world of diminished meaningful in-person interactions, “Join or Die” explores one reason why, as laid out by social scientist Robert Putnam.

Rated: 3/4

Nov 8, 2024

Full Review

Natalia Winkelman

New York Times

Some of the film’s points feel simplistic, and questions linger. The film also breaks up its Putnam biography by spending time with a handful of Americans who benefit from local communities -- but these mini-profiles are too brief to resonate.

Jul 18, 2024

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Josh Kupecki

Austin Chronicle

Pete and Rebecca Davis have created a lively if superficial entreaty to become more civically engaged

Mar 20, 2023

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Jayne Nelson

Radio Times

Once you adjust to the bouncy pacing, however, Putnam's research is eye-opening.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 25, 2024

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Liz Braun

Original Cin

This fascinating and important doc persuasively argues that community engagement is key to preserving health and democracy, maybe even extending one’s lifespan.

Rated: B+

Oct 18, 2024

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Brett McCracken

The Gospel Coalition

The film’s implications go beyond politics and have huge relevance for the church.

Sep 12, 2024

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Karl S

very informative film about Social Capital and why its essential to belong to a group/club/team. The american history shown was surprising, to me, of how we are less social and less connected

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/13/24

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Pete Davis

Director

Rebecca Davis

Director

Robert Putnam

Self

Hillary Clinton

Self

Pete Buttigieg

Self

Vivek Murthy

Self

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Join or Die: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Join or Die is a film about why you should join a club -- and why the fate of America depends on it. In this feature documentary, follow the half-century story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking "Bowling Alone" research into America's decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our democracy's present crisis. Flanked by influential fans and scholars -- from Hillary Clinton, Pete Buttigieg, and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to Eddie Glaude Jr., Raj Chetty, and Priya Parker -- as well as inspiring groups building community in neighborhoods across the country, join Bob as he explores three urgent civic questions: What makes democracy work? Why is American democracy in crisis? And, most importantly... what can we do about it?

Director: Pete Davis, Rebecca Davis
Producer: Pete Davis, Rebecca Davis
Screenwriter: Pete Davis, Rebecca Davis
Distributor: Abramorama
Production Co: Delevan Street Films
Genre: Documentary, History
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 19, 2024, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 18, 2024
Runtime: 1h 33m

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