The Super Models

Unlike some modern docs, The Super Models is less like a Wikipedia page unraveled and more like a thorough record of a bygone era. Though it sometimes feels ironically superficial, The Super Models carves an empathetic, essential account of the days when models ruled the world—thanks largely to a rare, candid appearance from Linda Evangelista.

Directors Roger Ross Williams and Larissa Bills skillfully toggle between the expected bounty of high-gloss photos and film clips and present-day interviews with the quartet, who are all in their 50s and speak with keen self-awareness and in some cases admirable candor about their experiences.

Inserting their origin stories into the longer history of the modeling industry is where "The Super Models" falters. .... Seeing all the ways Campbell thrives despite this is especially rewarding. Its emotional match may be Evangelista's determination to reclaim her career after surviving a financially devastating divorce, recurrences of cancer and permanent disfigurement related to a cosmetic procedure. Through these passages, we may not necessarily feel we know these women much better than before, but at least "The Super Models" dissolves some of the illusion separating them from the rest of us.

Just as the audience delves into one supermodel’s recollections, the camera shifts to the next, leaving unanswered questions. “The Super Models” could have easily expanded into four individual in-depth docuseries.

If you’re fans of the quartet at the center of The Super Models, you’ll be fascinated at this look at their lives. If you’re looking for explosive revelations, you’re mostly going to be out of luck.

A more probing documentary would have asked more questions about this and about the darker side of the industry, and supplied more gossipy fun. This is the official, glossy history.

It is hardly an ordeal to watch their careers rewind. But this only punctuates the fact that so little of depth is being said. Ogling is great, but nutritionally insufficient.