Watch Spaceship Earth

Spaceship Earth is a 2020 documentary film directed by Matt Wolf that follows the journey of eight individuals who, in the early 1990s, voluntarily isolated themselves in a self-engineered replica of Earth's ecosystem for two years to test the viability of human life in space. The project, called Biosphere 2, was launched by a group of countercultural environmentalists under the leadership of charismatic entrepreneur John Allen.

The film starts by introducing the main characters, who include Kathelin Gray, who managed the project's agriculture and sustainability efforts, Marie Harding, the project's medical director, and William Dempster, an experienced engineer and inventor who designed the project's life support system. The film uses archival footage and contemporary interviews with the participants to illustrate their motivations, struggles, and achievements during the two years they spent inside. The viewer gets a glimpse of the intimate dynamics and conflicts within the group, as well as the extended network of people and institutions that supported the project.

As the film progresses, it becomes apparent that Biosphere 2 faced numerous technical, social, and political challenges. The project was criticized by some as a pseudo-scientific, attention-seeking stunt, while others saw it as a bold experiment in sustainable living and a precursor to space colonization. The participants had to deal with unexpected fluctuations in oxygen, carbon dioxide, and humidity levels, as well as with interpersonal conflicts, romantic entanglements, and media scrutiny. Moreover, they had to confront their own limits and anxieties, as they faced the prospect of living in a closed system with no contact with the outside world.

Despite the hurdles, the participants managed to create a thriving microcosm of Earth's ecosystems, complete with rainforests, deserts, oceans, and farms. They developed innovative techniques for recycling waste, generating energy, and growing food without pesticides or artificial fertilizers. They also conducted numerous scientific research projects, from studying the effects of carbon dioxide on plant growth to monitoring the behavior of ants and cockroaches. The film showcases some of the stunning visuals and sounds of the Biosphere 2, from the shimmering blue lagoon to the chirping of crickets and birds.

As the two-year experiment came to an end, Biosphere 2 became increasingly embroiled in controversy, as some participants accused John Allen of mismanagement, financial irregularities, and cult-like behavior. The film delves into these allegations and explores the aftermath of the project, as some of the participants tried to capitalize on their experience and others struggled to find their place in a world that had moved on from their utopian ideals.

Overall, Spaceship Earth is a thought-provoking and visually stunning documentary that sheds light on an unusual chapter in the history of human experimentation and environmentalism. The film raises important questions about our relationship with nature, the limits of technology, and the role of scientific research in shaping our future. It also provides a captivating portrait of a group of dreamers who dared to imagine a world without borders and who faced their fears and weaknesses in a quest for a better tomorrow.

Spaceship Earth is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 73.