‘Grey Gardens’

By Andrew Kilroy

If you’re looking for a documentary, it’s time you finally watch one of the most impactful on pop culture, Grey Gardens. This classic documentary is unlike any other film you will ever watch. The documentary is about a mother, “Big Edie,” and daughter, “Little Edie” (the cousins of Jackie Kennedy) who are rotting in the remains of their decomposing, ruined East Hampton mansion. Yes, you read that right. It’s one of the first documentaries that feels so intrusive, and yet your eyes are glued to the screen. One minute, you’ll be laughing at Little and Big Edie bickering, and the next, you’ll be crying as these two women refuse to let go of the past. The film constantly blurs the line of camp, comedy, and tragedy and the finished film is something that could never be replicated. The film is currently streaming on HBO Max!

Photo courtesy Everett Collection