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Join or Die

Play trailer 3:02 Poster for Join or Die Released Jul 19, 2024 1h 33m Documentary History Play Trailer Watchlist
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95% Tomatometer 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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Join or Die

Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review Josh Kupecki Austin Chronicle Pete and Rebecca Davis have created a lively if superficial entreaty to become more civically engaged Mar 20, 2023 Full Review Jayne Nelson Radio Times Once you adjust to the bouncy pacing, however, Putnam's research is eye-opening. Rated: 3/5 Oct 25, 2024 Full Review 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 Full Review Brett McCracken The Gospel Coalition The film’s implications go beyond politics and have huge relevance for the church. Sep 12, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Stephen C Real footage in 1 hour and 33 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/19/25 Full Review dave d Join or Die is the neoliberal approach to fixing America. While the feature documentary makes a case, there are holes like swiss cheese with how to get Americans back to joining clubs and groups like author Bob Putnam would desire. Hard to word two jobs and 80 hours Bob, but keep those Ivory tower out of touch ideas that ruined the democratic party. Well Done. Bad premise and tiring doc. Look, game shows are nearly a relic, it sucks but we move on. The world changes and neolibs need to adapt, but the people interviewed here were a who's who of who has f'ed up the USA. Why should we listen to them? We shouldn't. Final Score: 5.6/10 Rated 3 out of 5 stars 11/20/24 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews
Join or Die

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Cast & Crew

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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

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Movie Info

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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