Bag It is an engaging and thought-provoking documentary that takes a deep dive into the seemingly mundane and everyday reality of plastic bags. However, as is often the case with effective documentary filmmaking, what appears on the surface to be a simple topic, is used as a springboard into an expansive exploration of deep-rooted societal and global issues. Directed by Suzan Beraza, the film was originally released in 2010 and has since been stirring conversation about our plastic-consuming habits.

The film's narrative primarily follows Jeb Berrier, an ordinary man living in Colorado, who decided to take a closer look at his use of plastic bags. This personal journey serves as a vehicle for unveiling the wider impact these commonplace items have on our environment, health, wildlife, and global economy. His transformation from an average American oblivious to his consumption habits to a more conscious and informed individual, imparts a powerful message to its audience about the potential of individual agency in effecting larger societal change.

Bag It starts with a simple experiment by Berrier who pledges to stop using plastic bags at the grocery store. That seemingly modest commitment spirals into an illuminating examination of the American culture’s reliance on single-use plastic. Berrier's investigation on the journey these bags embark on, from his local grocery store to either recycled materials, waste, or oceans, serves as the depiction of the systemic problem posed by our throwaway society.

But it doesn’t stop with plastic bags. It expands to take in other disposable plastic items such as water bottles and straws, and questions the justification of their rampant usage in our daily lives. The narrative architecture of the film helps the audience start with something familiar, plastic bags, and gradually draws them into uncovering hidden truths about our enormous reliance on plastic in general.

The exploration of these topics covers vast ground, taking in everything from the unwanted negative effects on our health and environment to the permeating presence of plastic in our ecosystems including the massive swirling gyres of plastic debris in the oceans. We see impacts not just in deteriorated landscapes and polluted waters, but also on the wildlife, with scenes that poignantly depict animals mistaking plastic for food with fatal consequences.

In Bag It, getting off the beaten track to question conventional wisdom is encouraged. It challenges the idea of 'out of sight, out of mind' and urges viewers to consider where "away" is when we throw something "away". Throughout the film, Berrier interviews a range of experts, environmental activists, scientists, and government officials, culminating in a robust and comprehensive look at the global problem of plastic pollution.

One of the unique aspects of Bag It is its light and humorous tone. Instead of adopting a doomsday approach, the documentary employs humor, interspersed within the serious discussion, ensuring that the viewer is entertained as well as educated. By making the audience laugh, it makes the often-overwhelming topic of pollution accessible and engaging – a stark contrast to the tendency of some documentaries that lean towards the depressing or overwhelming.

However, the film is not simply about identifying the problem; it’s also about showcasing viable solutions. It presents us with options for alternatives to our existing plastic consumption habits. It explores the measures various cities across the world are taking, it also equips individuals with practical steps to reduce their own plastic usage. By demonstrating that change is not only necessary but also feasible, the film leaves its viewers inspired and motivated to act.

In conclusion, Bag It is a rare kind of documentary that transforms a commonplace item into a complex and urgent issue, combining a personal story with expert insights to deliver a global message. The film is a must-watch for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of environmental issues and our impact on the world around us. Whether it makes you laugh, think, or act, this film is sure to leave a lasting impression on the way you view and use plastics in your everyday life.