Netflix's 'The Remarkable Life of Ibelin' Captures a Virtual Life's Impact
The documentary tells the story of Mats Steen, a gamer with muscular dystrophy, and his profound online community.
- Mats Steen, diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, lived a vibrant life through the game World of Warcraft.
- His parents discovered the depth of his online friendships only after his death at age 25.
- The film uses 3D animation to recreate Mats' digital interactions, crafted by a single animator, Rasmus Tukia.
- The documentary premiered at Sundance 2024 and received high praise, earning a 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Director Benjamin Ree highlights the emotional and social connections Mats formed in the gaming world.