Becoming Immortal (2018)
The 2018 documentary Becoming Immortal produced by VPRO, a Dutch public broadcast service, delves into the tantalizing prospect of eternal life. In a world where technological innovations are pushing boundaries, the question arises: Would you choose immortality, even if it meant preserving your severed head in a cryogenic tank?
The film explores the fascination with overcoming death and rejuvenation, particularly prevalent in Silicon Valley. Billions of dollars are invested in the pursuit of immortality. The premise is simple: If aging is considered a disease, then a cure for dying must exist. Enter age-reversing therapies and anti-aging interventions. Scientists and entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley form a tight-knit community, fueled by daring capital. As Aubrey de Grey aptly puts it, “If you’re not pissing everybody off in this life, then you’re probably not making much of a difference.”
Their conviction? Crack the code of mortality hidden within our DNA, granting us all the gift of immortality. Some millionaires even have personal cryogenic tanks ready for cryopreservation, anticipating a future resurrection. Whether this revival occurs in material form, as a software program (digital immortality), or through nanobots remains to be seen.
But can everyone benefit from this groundbreaking knowledge? Is eternal life reserved solely for the wealthy or the eccentric? The science of life extension thrives as a booming business, yet its accessibility remains uncertain. The documentary introduces us to key figures like Aubrey de Grey (a scientist), Liz Parrish (from Bioviva), Darren Moore (a millionaire), Kathleen Ann Goonan (a science-fiction writer), and Linda Chamberlain (associated with Alcor).
Becoming Immortal challenges our perceptions, blurring the line between science fiction and reality. Whether we’ll all achieve immortality within our lifetimes or in the years to come, the quest continues. VPRO Backlight, with its character-led storytelling, invites us to ponder the ultimate question: What if death were no longer inevitable?
VPRO is renowned for its thought-provoking documentaries, and Becoming Immortal is no exception. This film transcends mere entertainment, sparking conversations about life, death, and the boundaries of human existence. As we peer into the future, we grapple with the implications of defying mortality. Perhaps, in the not-so-distant future, we’ll find ourselves standing at the crossroads of science and eternity, contemplating whether to take that leap into the unknown.
