Daniel Lombroso’s documentary *Manhood* offers an intimate, if uneven, look into the niche world of penis enlargement through the experiences of three men. Running 91 minutes and currently in theaters, the film eschews a broad industry overview in favor of close, personal narratives.
The documentary features Bill Moore, a clinic owner whose business centers on injecting fillers to increase penile girth. Moore is portrayed as a compassionate figure, demonstrating a gentle bedside manner as he treats clients. His role is central not only to the treatment procedures but also to the interpersonal dynamics explored in the film.
David Smith, another subject, is a queer man and content creator on OnlyFans. Smith recounts a prior botched enlargement procedure that left his penis with a lumpy texture—an assertion contested by his doctor during an on-camera interview. Estranged from his evangelical mother, Smith’s path crosses significantly with Moore’s: he seeks further help at Moore’s clinic and eventually becomes involved in a relationship with Moore and his husband. This complex personal connection adds an additional emotional layer to the documentary.
The third man featured is Ruben Ramirez, an affable father of five and aspiring comedian. Ramirez’s story is notable more for the emotional and psychological undercurrents it reveals than for the physical aspect of enlargement itself. His desire for increased girth is framed against a backdrop of deep-seated shame and trauma. Scenes of Ramirez performing stand-up comedy in an almost empty restaurant provide a poignant counterpoint to moments showing him undergoing costly treatments he struggles to afford.
Lombroso’s film approaches its subject with sensitivity, exploring the motivations and vulnerabilities underlying the pursuit of penis enlargement. However, the documentary’s narrow focus on a small group of men and its repeated attention to Moore’s clinic have drawn criticism, with some viewers perceiving it as bordering on promotional material rather than an investigatory work. The film’s lack of a definitive thesis and its concentrated scope leave certain questions unaddressed, contributing to a somewhat unfocused overall impression.
*Manhood* presents a humanized, if limited, portrayal of an often-taboo subject, inviting reflection on masculinity, self-image, and the lengths individuals may go to reconcile deeply personal insecurities.
