Sheffield DocFest 2026: Manhood

Louis Theroux’s landmark documentary Into the Manosphere offered an eye-opening insight into contemporary toxic masculinity driven by social media influencers. Documentary filmmaker Daniel Lombroso takes a wildly different approach to similar thematic territory for his second feature, Manhood, which focuses on the world of penile enlargement and the men who opt to have the procedure. These include David, an OnlyFans star seeking to correct a botched surgery, and Ruben, a father of five struggling financially. Both patients turn to cosmetic surgeon Bill Moore, who positions himself as a trailblazer in male enhancement. Lombroso tackles this taboo subject with sincerity, empathy, and humour, demonstrating how social pressures continue to shape male insecurity.

The film opens with a montage of bodybuilders, influencers, and Hollywood stars, all of whom reinforce an idealised version of what men should be. With men constantly bombarded with these kinds of images, it’s no surprise that a growing number of them have taken drastic steps to alter their appearance. Although Moore champions these surgeries as being a way for patients to improve their mental health and feel more confident in their bodies, the filmmaker hints that there may be more problematic factors involved. Ruben, for instance, is frequently seen listening to Joe Rogan’s podcast, absorbing rhetoric like “Being masculine is the reason we don’t speak German”. Lombroso never addresses this connection directly, but parallels between Rogan’s words and Ruben’s attitude speak volumes.

The documentary is primarily concerned with understanding why someone would choose to spend thousands on genital filler. For David, Moore’s practice is a way for him to reclaim his sense of self after malpractice left him disfigured. His journey is a genuinely emotional one that highlights the benefits of this kind of procedure, even if his situation was caused by his desire for enlargement. Other patients openly talk about being made to feel inadequate and ashamed by others, a sentiment that’s echoed in Moore’s own experiences. Despite a handful of tongue-in-cheek jabs at insecure masculinity, the impact the procedures have on these men is very real.

In a world where body image is becoming increasingly important to more men, Lombroso offers a sincere and compassionate exploration of a modern taboo. Manhood is funny, honest, and has the power to make viewers squirm in their seats. Anyone with a phobia of needles should consider themselves warned.