It may just be a coincidence in timing, but this powerful documentary is being released at a time when there is a heated debate about children’s use of smartphones and social media. While it is concerning how tech companies aim to addict and exploit young minds, The Remarkable Life of Ibelin presents a compelling argument about how online gaming can be a source of connection for individuals who feel isolated in the real world.
Mats Steen, born in 1989, was like many other Norwegian children until his parents discovered he had Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a condition that limited his movement and eventually led to his death at 25. Despite his physical limitations, Mats found solace in playing World of Warcraft online, where he built a network of friends who knew him as Ibelin. Even after his passing, the impact of his kindness and empathy was evident through the outpouring of support from his online community.
Through archived interactions between Mats/Ibelin and his friends, the documentary reconstructs Ibelin’s digital life using animation inspired by WoW. The diverse range of fantasy characters depicted serves as a poignant reminder of the connections forged in the digital world, culminating in a heartfelt tribute to Ibelin’s memory.
The Remarkable Life of Ibelin will be in UK cinemas from 18 October and on Netflix from 25 October.