Watch John Was Trying to Contact Aliens

John Was Trying to Contact Aliens is a short documentary film directed by Matthew Killip, which explores the life and work of John Shepherd, a man who spent over thirty years attempting to communicate with extraterrestrial beings. The film was released on Netflix in August 2020 and has received critical acclaim for its unique approach to documentary filmmaking.

The film begins with archival footage of John Shepherd as a young boy, when he first started to become fascinated with space and the possibility of life beyond Earth. From there, we follow Shepherd's journey through adulthood as he devotes himself to the pursuit of contacting aliens.

Throughout the film, we are introduced to a cast of characters who knew Shepherd throughout his life, as well as experts in the field of space exploration and UFO sightings. They each provide insight into the fascination with the unknown and the lengths some individuals will go to in order to uncover the mysteries of our universe.

What sets John Was Trying to Contact Aliens apart from other documentaries on the subject is the intimacy with which Shepherd's story is presented. The film is not interested in sensationalizing the topic, nor does it seek to ridicule Shepherd's approach. Instead, we are given a deeply personal look at one man's quest to make contact with other life forms, and the toll it has taken on his personal life.

John Shepherd's method for contacting aliens is unique, to say the least. He built a massive, homemade radio telescope in his backyard and spent countless hours scanning the skies in search of signs of extraterrestrial life. Though Shepherd admits that he never actually made contact with aliens, he remains convinced that his efforts were not in vain.

The film uses stunning cinematography to capture the grandeur of the universe, and the sense of awe and wonder that has driven Shepherd's lifelong quest. We see shots of the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, and other cosmic phenomena that serve to both inspire and humble us.

As we get to know John Shepherd better, we come to understand the sacrifices he has made in order to pursue this dream. He admits to having neglected his relationships, career, and even his own health in order to devote himself to the project. This is not to say that Shepherd is portrayed as a sad figure; rather, his passion for the unknown is something to be admired.

John Was Trying to Contact Aliens is a poignant and thought-provoking film that sparks a debate about the nature of our existence in the universe. It raises existential questions about what it means to be alive and our place in the grand scheme of things.

The film's pacing is slow and deliberate, much like Shepherd's approach to his project. But this only serves to make the emotional impact of the film more profound. We are left with a sense of wonder and curiosity that will stay with us long after the credits roll.

In conclusion, John Was Trying to Contact Aliens is a beautifully crafted film that offers a unique perspective on the age-old question of whether we are alone in the universe. It is a testament to the human spirit of exploration and the passion that drives some of us to pursue the unknown at all costs.

John Was Trying to Contact Aliens is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 16 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.