Urbanized review

A movie about streets rather than a street movie

Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.

When was the last time you really looked at the street you were walking down? After watching Gary Hustwit’s compelling doc, which takes a good long gander at the thought process that goes into every aspect of cities, from building proportions down to pavement width, you just might start.

On paper urban design may not sound scintillating, but Hustwit packs his cinematic essay with engaging ideas about the impact a city’s infrastructure has on its citizens, with architects, politicians and philosophers all weighing in.

A rich, ambitious exploration of the ways our surroundings are shaped, and the subtler ways they shape us.

Writer

Emma Didbin is a writer and journalist who has contributed to GamesRadar+, The New York Times, Elle, Esquire, The Hollywood Reporter, Vulture, and more. Emma can currently be found in Los Angeles where she is pursuing a career in TV writing. Emma has also penned two novels, and somehow finds the time to write scripts for Parcast – the Spotify-owned network that creates thrilling true crime and mystery podcasts.