The Big Scary ‘S’ Word. 82+ min. Greenwich Entertainment. 2020. DVD UPC 3832925623. $19.99.

Is socialism as “American as apple pie,” as philosopher Cornel West claims? Its influence might be more wide-reaching in U.S. history than many would think. Director Yael Bridge’s documentary normalizes socialism as it becomes more popular in mainstream culture. Socialism in the United States isn’t a new idea, and Bridge deftly illustrates the ways it has become part of the fabric of U.S. history. VERDICT This is fascinating U.S. history, and Bridge seamlessly incorporates both easy-to-digest examples and the perspectives of academics with those of regular people trying to improve their quality of life in the face of ever-widening economic disparity.

The Great Electric Airplane Race. 55+ min. PBS. 2021. DVD UPC 4188704514. $24.99.

Is the flying car a far-fetched idea? Maybe, maybe not. Nova takes viewers a step into the future with a collection of far-out airplanes that harness innovative technologies in the pursuit of electric air travel. Hundreds of companies around the globe are working on unique designs for aircraft that use solar power or dozens of propellers to fuel a mode of travel that might someday be embraced by the masses. The airplanes are the stars of this documentary; as they cruise silently through short flights, it’s clear that the future in the air has arrived. VERDICT Science lovers can take a fantastical trip to the sky with the cutting-edge aviation on display here.

Kingdom of Silence. 98+ min. Showtime. In English and Arabic w/English subtitles. 2020. UPC DVD 1004471129. $24.99.

This is the absolutely gripping story of the life and career of Saudi Arabian journalist and dissident Jamal Khashoggi, who was allegedly assassinated in 2018 at the behest of the Saudi royal family. Rick Rowley’s insightful film peels back dozens of complex layers of Khashoggi’s life, from his years of friendship with Osama bin Laden and his defense of the Saudi crown, to his pivot to become an outspoken critic of his home country. The documentary gives plenty of attention to the complicity of U.S. foreign policy; it’s a vivid snapshot of 50 years of U.S.-Saudi relations as much as it is a portrait of Khashoggi. VERDICT A deeply intelligent slow burn that feels increasingly like a thriller as the narrative unfolds.

Queens of Pain. 75+ min. Gravitas Ventures. 2021. DVD UPC 1004723828. $16.99.

Over the years, roller derby has evolved from fabricated, theatrical entertainment (à la professional wrestling) to violent, rough-and-tumble sport embraced by a small, passionate group of participants. The women who join roller derby teams aren’t doing it for the money—there is none. This film directed by Cassie Hay and Amy Winston focuses on roller derby’s impact on the lives of three skaters of varying skill levels. It’s more a quirky slice-of-life doc than it is a sports film, and the derby action surprisingly takes a backseat until the conclusion. VERDICT An empowering documentary, shining a light on a fringe sport and detailing the joy and the sacrifices of those who put on skates.