We Are As Gods
We Are As Gods

Movie spotlight

We Are As Gods

2022
Movie
90 min
English

“We are as gods and might as well get good at it.” This is the audacious opening line of the Whole Earth Catalog, a compendium of wonderful tools compiled by counterculture legend Stewart Brand. A psychedelic experimenter, cyberspace pioneer, and environmentalist, he is now urging humanity to use our god-like powers to reframe our relationship with time and life itself. Today, Stewart is using biotech to resurrect extinct species. He and a team of scientists travel to Siberia to collect ancient DNA in an effort to make a hybrid Woolly Mammoth. Former allies in the environmental movement vow to stand in his way, but Stewart forges ahead in his life-long mission to conserve the whole earth.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes60%
Metacritic59/100
Google Users78%
Director: David Alvarado, Jason SussbergGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

We Are As Gods is a documentary exploring the rapidly advancing field of genetic engineering and its potential to reshape life on Earth. The film centers on controversial bio-hacker Josiah Zayner and his mission to democratize genetic modification, sparking ethical debates about humanity's role in controlling its own evolution. It delves into the groundbreaking CRISPR technology and the profound implications of wielding such power over life itself.

Critical Reception

The documentary received a mixed to positive reception from critics, who often praised its ambitious scope and timely exploration of complex scientific and ethical issues. While some found its pacing and narrative structure uneven, many acknowledged its importance in bringing the conversation about gene editing to a wider audience. Audience reactions were similarly varied, reflecting the divisive nature of the subject matter.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its thought-provoking examination of gene editing and its ethical dilemmas.

  • Noted for its engagement with cutting-edge science and its potential societal impact.

  • Criticized by some for its sometimes scattered narrative and lack of definitive conclusions.

Google audience: Google users generally found the film to be an eye-opening and important discussion starter on genetic engineering. Many appreciated its accessibility in explaining complex scientific concepts and its exploration of the 'what ifs' surrounding gene editing technology. However, some users felt the film could have delved deeper into certain ethical implications or presented a more balanced perspective.

Fun Fact

The film features interviews with some of the pioneers of CRISPR technology, including Nobel laureates Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna, providing direct insight into the scientific breakthroughs discussed.

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