Watch Citizen Bio

Citizen Bio is a 2020 documentary that sheds light on a group of biohackers who are experimenting with science and technology beyond the confines of traditionally authorized laboratory settings. Directed by Trish Dolman, the movie takes an unfiltered look at the world of biohacking and the individuals who are pushing the limits of science.

The movie introduces us to a number of biohackers who are working on very different projects but share a common belief that science should be open-source and accessible to everyone. Among these passionate individuals are Aaron Traywick, Mac Davis, and Russ Foxx, who each have unique and intriguing backgrounds.

Aaron Traywick, who passed away before the release of the movie, was a charismatic figure in the biohacking community. He was known for his outspoken advocacy for unregulated innovation and, at one point, even injected himself with an untested herpes treatment in front of a live audience. In the movie, we learn more about his vision for democratizing science and the controversies that surrounded his work and personal life.

Mac Davis is another biohacker featured in Citizen Bio. As a cancer survivor, he became interested in finding non-traditional ways to treat his illness. The film follows Davis as he travels to Colombia to work with traditional healers and learn about the medicinal properties of local plants. Davis's story is both fascinating and heart-wrenching as he grapples with the limitations of conventional medicine and the personal toll of experimenting with untested treatments.

Russ Foxx is the third biohacker featured in the movie. He is a body modification artist who uses cutting-edge medical technology to create sculptures that merge with the human body. The film shows Foxx at work as he implants magnets, RFID chips, and other devices into his own body and his clients' bodies. Through his art, Foxx challenges our notions of what is natural and what is artificial, and pushes the boundaries of the human form.

The documentary also touches on the challenges that biohackers face in gaining acceptance and recognition within the scientific community. Biohacking is often dismissed as fringe science, and many biohackers operate outside the boundaries of traditional research institutions. Despite this, the film highlights the tremendous intellectual curiosity and passion that drives these individuals in their pursuit of scientific advancement.

The film is visually stunning, with gorgeous shots of the natural world and the inner workings of the human body. The music is haunting and atmospheric, setting the tone for the movie's exploration of cutting-edge science and the people who are advancing it.

Overall, Citizen Bio is a fascinating and thought-provoking look at a subculture of science that is often ignored or maligned by more traditional academic establishments. The film captures the excitement and curiosity of these individuals who are pushing the boundaries of what is possible, as well as the ethical and moral dilemmas they encounter along the way. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of science, technology, and human ingenuity.

Citizen Bio is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.