I Expected Katrina: Come Hell And High Water To Be Just Another Documentary. Here’s Why I Was Very Wrong

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Exactly twenty years ago this month, Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans and neighboring Gulf Coast communities, resulting in over 1,000 fatalities, devastated homes and businesses, and unprecedented flooding. At that time, I was a high school senior residing in northern Louisiana, and the storm’s impact on August 29, 2005, forever altered my life.

Upon learning about “Katrina: Come Hell or High Water,” the latest Netflix original delving into the storm’s aftermath on Louisiana residents, I initially assumed it would be another run-of-the-mill documentary. However, having completed the three poignant and powerful episodes filled with both heartache and victory, I must admit that I was mistaken. Let me explain why…

I Went Into The Three-Part Netflix Doc Thinking I Had Seen It All

Prior to hitting play on the three-part documentary “Katrina: Come Hell and High Water“, I believed I had witnessed and understood all there was to know about Hurricane Katrina’s effect on New Orleans. During its occurrence in August 2005, I watched the news coverage round the clock, befriended teenagers who were displaced by the storm at my high school, offered volunteer work at a local college, and more. I’ve traveled to New Orleans numerous times over the years, including a visit a year or so after the hurricane, when watermarks on buildings and remnants of debris in empty lots where houses used to be were still visible.

Upon viewing the documentary, listening to accounts from survivors, and encountering lesser-discussed aspects of the event, I was profoundly moved and left emotionally drained.

Watching the documentary, hearing survivor stories, and learning about less-frequently discussed parts of the incident brought me to tears and opened my eyes to a deeper understanding.

But Then It Started Unburying All These Old Memories From 2005

Watching “Katrina” stirred up long-forgotten recollections from within my mind, as it brought forth tales of resilience, loss, and renewal from New Orleans natives like Wendell Pierce, local artists, and everyday citizens, all of which had been concealed for twenty years.

In the opening scene of the documentary’s first episode, numerous individuals expressed a sense of complacency, believing that Hurricane Ivan’s bypassing of the city in 2004 would mean the same for Katrina. For the first time in 21 years, I was reminded of an interview with a musician from the French Quarter who vowed to never abandon his home, no matter the circumstances. A year later, as Katrina struck, my thoughts turned to him, questioning whether his conviction remained steadfast amidst the onslaught of the destructive storm.

Additionally, there are other vivid recollections, such as the cheerful demeanor of those heading to the Superdome, believing all would be well. Similarly, the harrowing images of people battling to survive after the levees burst and New Orleans transformed into a marshy landscape. These memories suddenly resurfaced, overwhelming me with emotions I haven’t experienced in twenty years.

The Interviews With Parents Talking About Losing Their Children In The Flood Cut Deep

Initially, I was aware that the episodes would inevitably involve death, sorrow, and the pain of loss. However, I wasn’t mentally prepared for the heart-wrenching conversations about parents who lost their children during the storm and subsequent flood.

The third and last episode commences with a woman’s interview about her five-year-old daughter’s passing during a natural catastrophe, and how she continues to sense her presence even 20 years afterwards. My daughter is also five. Upon concluding the documentary in the dead of night, I visited her room, settled down, and acknowledged my gratitude, praying that such a tragic event never occurs in my life.

One account of heartache among many is featured in this almost four-hour long documentary. I gave it my best to watch the entire thing without shedding tears, but ultimately, it proved impossible, and I ended up crying.

The Third And Final Episode (Directed By Spike Lee) Painted A Beautiful Portrait Of A Healing City

The opening two episodes, titled “We Gonna Ride it Out Like We Always Do” by Geeta Gandbhir and “Shelter of Last Resort” by Samantha Knowles, are captivating, deeply personal accounts that delve into the storm, its origins, and the mix of triumph and sorrow it left behind. But the documentary truly excels in the third and concluding episode, “God Takes Care of Fools and Babies,” a masterpiece by Spike Lee.

In the latter chapters, Lee seems to have adopted a style reminiscent of a poignant visual sonnet. The scenes are frozen in time, text unfolds on the screen, and we witness a city healing before our eyes. Make no mistake, the final episode carries its fair share of sorrow, particularly when it comes to the struggle of lower-income families during reconstruction. However, there’s an undeniable sense of triumph that permeates through its 80 or so minutes. It’s gritty, it’s unflinchingly honest, and yet, it manages to uplift you with each passing moment.

This Is The Most Impactful Katrina Documentary I’ve Watched Since Spike Lee’s When The Levees Broke

As a keen viewer of documentaries, I must say that Katrina: Come Hell and High Water has left an indelible impact on me, surpassing Spike Lee’s When The Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Parts, which I watched shortly after the storm in 2006. This powerful documentary, available for streaming with an HBO Max subscription, along with If God Is Willing and Da Creek Don’t Rise, offers a compelling narrative centered around the resilience of New Orleanians in the turbulent days, weeks, and months following Hurricane Katrina. It documents their heroic struggle to rise above the floodwaters, navigate life-threatening situations, and grapple with the political and cultural implications of this devastating disaster.

As a fervent admirer, I can’t help but express my anticipation about Lee’s newest account chronicling the most disastrous storm ever to hit New Orleans. While it’s premature to predict whether it will reach the same acclaim as his initial documentary on a city in distress, I must admit that if it maintains the quality he’s known for, it’s already an outstanding accomplishment within the documentary format.

As a cinema enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that the entire trilogy of “Katrina: Come Hell and High Water” can be found on Netflix with a simple subscription! The trailer for this documentary offers an enticing sneak peek into the captivating story unfolding over almost four hours.

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2025-08-30 16:12