A man from Gum Busters featured in 'The History of Concrete' illustrates concrete's unseen role.

John Wilson Explores Concrete’s Unseen Role in Urban Life Through Humor and Insight

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Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-09-24

“Do you ever think about concrete?” begins the intriguing trailer for The History of Concrete, a documentary released in select U.S. theaters last Friday. Filmmaker John Wilson offers an inventive perspective that might leave you contemplating this everyday material.

Wilson, acclaimed for the comedic HBO docuseries How To with John Wilson, likens his approach to “a New York version of Planet Earth with David Attenborough doing it all solo.” His feature film debut promises a dive into the absurdity of concrete, the essential yet overlooked fabric of urban life.

The documentary vividly showcases concrete’s omnipresence in city sidewalks, towering buildings, and residential structures, showing the eccentric ways it appears on the streets and in industries. While often seen merely as a foundational element, Wilson’s compelling narrative frames it as a lens through which to explore New York City and its inhabitants.

For those interested in concrete’s architectural role, explore architectural wonders with flowing designs to see its global impact.

Discover more about this captivating film on its official website.

Two men seen jackhammering a concrete slab in a movie scene.
a still from the movie ‘The History of Concrete’ featuring two men jackhammering a concrete slab
Filmmaker John Wilson takes a selfie in a mirror in a movie still.
a still from the movie ‘The History of Concrete’ featuring a self-portrait of filmmaker John Wilson taking a selfie in a mirror

Source: thisiscolossal.com

Frequently asked questions

What is John Wilson’s new film about?

John Wilson’s new film, The History of Concrete, is a documentary that explores the role of concrete in urban life through humor and insight. It aims to showcase the everyday material’s omnipresence and its overlooked significance in city life.

How does John Wilson describe his filmmaking approach?

John Wilson describes his filmmaking approach as ‘a New York version of Planet Earth with David Attenborough doing it all solo.’ This suggests a unique, personal exploration of urban topics.

What is the release format of The History of Concrete?

The History of Concrete was released in select U.S. theaters last Friday.