Watch Trekkies

In 1997, the world saw the release of "Trekkies," a documentary film directed by Roger Nygard. The film was a fascinating exploration into the lives and minds of some of the most dedicated fans of the "Star Trek" franchise. The movie starred Denise Crosby, who portrayed the character of Tasha Yar in "Star Trek: The Next Generation," and was produced by Denise Crosby and Majel Barrett-Roddenberry.

The documentary was shot in several locations across the United States, and it featured interviews with countless Trekkies, each with their unique stories and experiences. From the opening sequence, it is clear that the film takes a lighthearted and often humorous approach to showcasing the fanatical dedication of its subjects.

The film begins with Denise Crosby recounting her experience with the fame that filming a sci-fi show brought her, including the obsessive nature that some fans of the show exhibited. From here, the film transitions to showcasing several Trekkies and their personal collections of merchandise and costumes. Fans show off their impressive collections, which include everything from rare action figures to life-sized replicas of the Enterprise. These segments of the film illustrate how the "Star Trek" universe has become a massive cultural phenomenon that has touched the lives of people from all walks of life.

One striking aspect of "Trekkies" is the insight it provides into the intricate social hierarchy that exists within the Trekkie community. The film delves into the different factions of fans, such as those who prefer the original series or "The Next Generation," along with those who engage in cosplay and those who are fans of "Star Trek" novels. The documentary examines how fans form bonds over shared interests and how their love for the franchise can bring them together.

The film also explores the fandom's darker side, including a fan club that collects money for a charity that does not exist and fans who have been shunned by their communities for their obsessive fascination with the show. The interviewees discuss their experiences, revealing how their passion for "Star Trek" has cost them relationships or even their jobs.

As the movie progresses, the focus shifts from the lives of individual fans to the way that fandom has altered life paths. The documentary includes an interview with a woman who has used her fandom to build a new and better life, as well as interviews with fans who have had life-changing experiences through the "Star Trek" universe. These personal anecdotes show the profound impact this show has had on fans.

Apart from the fans, the film also provides insight into the cast and crew of "Star Trek." The documentary includes interviews with cast members such as Nichelle Nichols, who portrayed Uhura in the original series, and DeForest Kelley, who played Dr. McCoy. It also features interviews with production staff, including writers, producers, and makeup artists, who provided an intricate look into the creative minds responsible for bringing the franchise to life.

The film's shining moment is the segment that covers the story of Gabriel Köerner, a German Trekkie who took his obsession with "Star Trek" to new heights by designing and building a replica of the bridge of the Enterprise in his apartment. The film shows Köerner explaining his thought process behind the creation of the bridge and how he achieved the design and construction using readily available materials. It is a moment that represents the level of dedication that Trekkies can have, and it is impressive to watch.

In conclusion, "Trekkies" is a fascinating, lighthearted, and often humorous film that showcases the incredible dedication of the "Star Trek" fandom. The documentary is a must-watch for any dedicated Trekkie or science fiction fan. It provides a window into the vast and intricate universe of Trekkies, as well as insight into the show's creative and cultural impact.

Trekkies is a 1997 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 64.