Watch How to Live Forever

How to Live Forever, directed by Mark Wexler, is a 2009 documentary that delves into the concepts of aging and immortality. It is a captivating and thought-provoking film that seeks to explore the modern-day quest to cheat death, and to investigate the cultural and technological factors that have driven this quest. The film's opening sequence shows Wexler himself, a middle-aged filmmaker, contemplating his own mortality in light of his father's advanced age and failing health. This sets the stage for a personal narrative that is both inquisitive and introspective, as Wexler wanders the globe in search of the secrets to longevity.

From the outset, the film makes clear that it is not simply going to be a dry, scientific exploration of the topic. Instead, it features a wide array of colorful characters, from Phyllis Diller, the legendary comedian who was still touring at age 92, to Ray Bradbury, the science fiction author who was 88 at the time of filming. Both Diller and Bradbury are incredibly engaging interview subjects, and their perspectives on aging and mortality are both valuable and entertaining.

Other memorable characters include a 101-year-old marathon runner, an eccentric and wealthy British collector who refers to himself as 'the sperm king', and a group of yoga enthusiasts who strive to maintain physical and mental fitness well into their golden years. Through these disparate personalities, the film reveals the variety of motivations and approaches that drive people to seek immortality.

Beyond these colorful personalities, however, How to Live Forever also explores some of the more cutting-edge scientific and technological advancements that have been made towards understanding and delaying the aging process. Wexler visits a technologically-advanced retirement community in Japan, where residents wear sensors that monitor their health and safety, as well as a cryonics laboratory in Arizona where bodies are preserved in the hopes of future revival.

Perhaps most fascinating of all, however, is the film's exploration of the scientific research being done into lifespan extension. Wexler interviews a number of researchers who are studying everything from cellular senescence to genetic manipulation, hoping to find the key to extending human life. In these segments, the film presents a mix of optimism and skepticism about the potential for science to conquer death.

Throughout the film, Wexler remains a steady and engaging guide, never casting judgement on those who seek to avoid aging or change the fate of mortality itself. Rather, he presents a candid and balanced look at the many different ways that people have approached the question of how to live forever.

As a whole, How to Live Forever is a compelling and entertaining documentary that will likely leave viewers pondering their own mortality long after the credits have rolled. From its wise and humorous interviewees to its stunning visuals and powerful message, the film offers something for anyone who has ever dreamed of living forever - and anyone who has ever thought deeply about what makes life worth living.

How to Live Forever is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 57.