Talk about Lonely

Wilkinson, C. (Director). Schliessler, T. (Producer). (2025). Talk about Lonely. Bullfrog Films. 77 mins. Talk about Lonely is feature documentary focusing on what the filmmakers perceive as a damaging and growing culture of human loneliness. The film is comprised mainly of commentary from an array of engaging and knowledgeable “featured speakers” from various fields and different generations. Each talks about the culture of loneliness as it relates to their experience, while also discussing the causes of this widespread loneliness, the problematic aspects of such loneliness, and some practical changes that can be made to address the crisis. The key factors identified as driving our increasing loneliness are unlikely to surprise viewers. They relate mainly to how developments in technology (including dating apps, AI, social media, tap-to-pay commerce, and more), along with shifts in daily life (resulting from a workplace shifts, as well as changes in urban planning and development), have diminished opportunities for everyday human connection that prior generations have enjoyed and benefitted from. Viewers will either learn or be reminded that people today are spending increasing amounts of time online and focusing less on interacting in-person in “real” communities and communal spaces – meaning more of most people’s days are increasingly spent in relative isolation from other actual humans. This isolation often persists even when people are physically present together in communal settings because many still choose to self-isolate by using their phones or other technology rather than looking up and connecting with nearby others. While some of the information presented in Talk About Lonely will be familiar, the film is still worth watching. It has the potential to educate and perhaps effect positive change for viewers through its examination of loneliness and the benefits of connecting with others in our communities. These subjects have a place in both family discussions and educational settings, as well as in many workplaces. The film also holds value for those wishing to improve their interpersonal communication and relationships, as well as for those unaware of the impact of changing the seemingly small daily behaviors and choices highlighted in the film. Information provided on the potential damage resulting from loneliness may provide meaningful intellectual fodder or even spur actual change for those who are so busy on their phones that they haven’t considered the benefits of making time for real-world, in-person connections in their families, neighborhoods, schools, or workplaces. Overall, while this film breaks little new ground, it compiles and effectively presents much worthwhile information. It is recommended for viewers of middle school age and up and is likely to be of greatest professional interest to those in the fields of communication studies, sociology, and urban planning.