Ethos (2011)

Ethos (2011) is a thought-provoking documentary that delves into the hidden crevices of our societal constructs, unearthing the damaging flaws and mechanisms that corrode democracy and the environment. It challenges the viewer to examine the complex web of interlaced conflicts in politics, unregulated corporate might, and a news media chained to the whims of the elite. The film courageously scrutinizes the corrosive elements of our society, often celebrated by the media, that should be relics of a darker age. At the same time, it highlights how progressive ideas are often brushed under the rug or mocked. The documentary seeks to expose the unsettling reality that the very framework of our systems could be perpetuating societal destruction, marked by fragmented communities, rampant poverty, environmental pollution, and endless warfare. Is there a fundamental flaw in humanity itself? Should we view ourselves through this grim lens? As the documentary reflects on our attempts to establish laws and government structures to protect the common good, it questions the efficacy of our democratic system. If the majority yearn for peace, justice, and a clean environment, yet the world around us is a stark contradiction, then is our democracy inherently flawed? Ethos invites the viewer on a journey of introspection, punctuated by the grim realities of environmental disasters, the poisoning of our air and water, and the heart-wrenching sights of starving refugees escaping war-torn regions. It forces us to question the reasoning behind our acceptance of such realities. If these are the consequences of our societal systems, then just how dysfunctional are they? More importantly, it poses the vital question: how can we mend these fractures and rebuild a healthier, fairer society? This is the profound inquiry that Ethos seeks to address.

Ethos is a documentary movie featuring Woody Harrelson and directed by Pete McGrain.

Ethos is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and Tubi TV.

It is also possible to buy Ethos on Amazon Video.