Navigating the American healthcare system can be a daunting experience, leaving many to wonder what life would look like with unlimited resources for both diagnosing illnesses and preventative care. The Netflix documentary Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants To Live Forever, directed by Chris Smith, explores this very question through the lens of Bryan Johnson, a tech entrepreneur obsessed with defying the biology of aging. The film is an entertaining exploration into Johnson’s life, though it lacks deeper philosophical engagement.
Bryan Johnson’s journey from a successful tech entrepreneur to a self-professed longevity guru began after selling his company, Braintree, to PayPal in 2013. With time and money at his disposal, Johnson shifted focus to an intensive anti-aging regimen he calls “Project Blueprint.” This involves a rigorous program featuring dietary regulations, exercise, and a smorgasbord of experimental treatments designed to slow aging and theoretically reverse the signs of aging.
Smith’s documentary doesn’t delve deeply into the scientific details of Johnson’s regimen, instead focusing on his personal life, including his relationship with his teenage son, Talmage, and his intriguing journey. The decision to pull back from hardcore science discussions could risk losing viewers initially expecting a documentary focused solely on anti-aging science.
Chris Smith, known for works like American Movie and Fyre, has shifted focus over the years from blue-collar struggles to the lives of ultra-wealthy individuals. In Don’t Die, Smith portrays Johnson as an endearing character with self-awareness rarely seen among the tech elite. Johnson’s candidness regarding past mental health issues adds depth to a film that could easily have become a mere showcase of wealth and privilege.
Fans and critics of Smith’s work may draw parallels between Don’t Die and his previous project, Bad Vegan, where he dissected the life of Sarma Melngailis. Both stories go beyond their surface portrayal of rich individuals to explore underlying issues of ambition and personal longing. Yet, Don’t Die fails to fully unpack these threads, leaving many potential insights undeveloped. The film could have explored the familial and existential undertones more courageously, examining Johnson’s estrangement from his children and his departure from the Mormon church.
Despite its hesitations, Don’t Die succeeds as a captivating spectacle, offering glimpses into Johnson’s privileged life. As Johnson prepares to send Talmage off to college, emotions run high, providing viewers with moments of genuine compassion and relatability. The potential for a more disciplined narrative—mirroring Johnson’s own lifestyle—might have left a lasting impact, but Smith chose entertainment over introspection.
Closing Credits
Chris Smith’s documentary, Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants To Live Forever, released on January 1, 2025, on Netflix, provides an intriguing peek into Bryan Johnson’s unusual world without digging into its depths. While viewers may find it engaging, one wonders what a more cohesive exploration of its themes could have achieved. For those interested in beginning the New Year with a thought-provoking watch, this documentary promises both spectacle and a touch of humanity.
