In the first twenty minutes, The Remarkable Life of Ibelin seemed to be quite unremarkable, with the usual way a biographical documentary would go, that is, loved ones waxing poetic about how great the dead person was in life. But the documentary takes this to introduce Ibelin the same way his parents discovered the online life Mats Steen lived. It’s a unique documentary, mixing in the usual home videos with the animated gameplay of the archived life Steen lived in Ibelin, but it’s grounded by, and somewhat co-created through the words Steen himself typed about his life as a disabled man, and the game history he shared with the community he formed online. The Remarkable Life of Ibelin ends up being quite a remarkable depiction of living online, that feels much more honest, human, and creative than the condescending or cautious narratives we’ve previously heard about the online world.
"Each movement of the film opens up a new world, and each is affecting in its own way."
— Bilge Ebiri
"The film is determined to prove that people can meaningfully interact with the world in any number of ways, now more than ever, and it accomplishes that goal with real clarity and rare emotional force."
— David Ehrlich
The secret life of a young World of Warcraft gamer is vividly reimagined when his online friends contact his family after his death.
Norwegian World of Warcraft gamer Mats Steen died at the age of 25 from Duchenne muscular dystrophy. His parents mourned what they thought was an isolated life, but when they started receiving condolences online, they discovered the deep friendships and community he formed from all around the world.
The subject matter. There are plenty of documentaries about people with disabilities, but none like this, and none that respects game history as actual history of its own.
Rest in peace, Mats Steen. Thank you for sharing your story and for living life the way you have done.
