John Wilson's "The History of Concrete": A Deep Dive into Impermanence

John Wilson's feature-length documentary, *The History of Concrete*, serves as an exploration of the ubiquitous yet often overlooked material that shapes urban life. Following the conclusion of his acclaimed HBO series *How To with John Wilson*, Wilson grapples with the uncertainties of his next project amid the backdrop of the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike. The film, which premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, is less a straightforward documentary about concrete and more a meditation on impermanence, creativity, and the human experience.

‘The History of Concrete’ Review: John Wilson Ponders Permanence and Immortality in His Hilarious and Poignant Feature-Length ‘How To’ Follow-Up

Wilson's documentary is characterized by a meandering narrative style that mirrors his previous work. It begins with his reflections on the challenges of transitioning from a successful television series to independent filmmaking. He humorously attends a workshop on writing Hallmark movies, which serves as a springboard for his exploration of concrete. This leads him to various vignettes, including a visit to the oldest concrete street in Ohio and a bricklaying competition in Las Vegas, showcasing the material's significance in modern infrastructure.

‘The History of Concrete’ Review: John Wilson Ponders Permanence and Immortality in His Hilarious and Poignant Feature-Length ‘How To’ Follow-Up

The film's structure is intentionally loose, allowing for digressions that reveal the absurdities of life. Wilson's encounters with eccentric characters, such as a liquor store promoter and a man preserving tattoos from the deceased, highlight the film's central themes of decay and resilience. Critics note that while the film may feel scattered at times, it ultimately coalesces around the idea of finding meaning in the mundane.

‘The History of Concrete’ Review: John Wilson Illustrates How to Get Over a Beloved TV Show with a Moving and Hilarious Meditation on Death

Critics have praised *The History of Concrete* for its humor and depth. The Hollywood Reporter describes it as "quirky, educational, touching and revelatory," while Vulture highlights Wilson's ability to blend the absurd with the profound. The Daily Beast emphasizes that the film is about grappling with fears of impermanence rather than providing a historical account of concrete itself. Wilson's unique storytelling approach, which combines observational humor with personal reflection, resonates with audiences familiar with his previous work.

‘The History of Concrete’ Review: John Wilson Ponders Permanence and Immortality in His Hilarious and Poignant Feature-Length ‘How To’ Follow-Up

Despite its acclaim, some critics argue that the film's loose structure can detract from its overall impact. The Wrap notes that while Wilson's eccentricities shine through, moments of scattered focus may leave viewers questioning the film's coherence. Additionally, the film's reliance on humor to address serious themes may not resonate with all audiences, particularly those unfamiliar with Wilson's style.

‘The History of Concrete’ Review: John Wilson Cements Status as an Essential Artist for Our Uncertain Times

While many reviews celebrate the film's humor and emotional depth, some critics express concern over its pacing and coherence. The varying opinions highlight a broader debate about the effectiveness of Wilson's meandering narrative style in a feature-length format.

‘The History of Concrete’ Review: John Wilson Ponders Permanence and Immortality in His Hilarious and Poignant Feature-Length ‘How To’ Follow-Up

• “Concrete is concrete, but it’s a paved gateway to talk about permanence at a moment that Wilson’s life felt particularly impermanent, which things society preserves and which we allow to crack and crumble.” — *Hollywood Reporter*

‘The History of Concrete’ Review: John Wilson Ponders Permanence and Immortality in His Hilarious and Poignant Feature-Length ‘How To’ Follow-Up

• “And “The History of Concrete” is nothing if not a sprawlingly beautiful self-portrait of a man trying to strike a balance between letting go and holding on.” — *IndieWire*

‘The History of Concrete’ Review: John Wilson Illustrates How to Get Over a Beloved TV Show with a Moving and Hilarious Meditation on Death

• “Wilson’s whole deal might best be summed up as an ongoing riff on the absurdity of living and trying to make art in capitalism.” — *Vulture*

The History of Concrete Is John Wilson, Supersized

• “But for those who find themselves on the same wavelength as this strange artist trying to make something new when it seems like much of everything is dying around him, you’ll see he found slivers of life in his camera despite it all.” — *The Wrap*

‘The History of Concrete’ Review: John Wilson Cements Status as an Essential Artist for Our Uncertain Times

*The History of Concrete* is a testament to John Wilson's unique ability to blend humor with poignant reflections on life, creativity, and the passage of time. While it may not provide a traditional narrative structure, its exploration of the absurdities and fragilities of existence resonates deeply, making it a significant addition to Wilson's body of work. As he navigates the complexities of modern life through the lens of concrete, Wilson invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences of impermanence and resilience.

The History of Concrete Is John Wilson, Supersized