What It’s About:
Born into a large family in Norway, Mats Steen was a frail infant, eventually diagnosed with a degenerative muscle disease that would shorten his life and confine him to a wheelchair. Mats’ concerned parents Robert and Trude observed their son cope with the inevitable loneliness and isolation by immersing himself in a gaming community online. When Mats passed away at 25, he left behind his passwords. Through them, his family first discovers Mats’ rich secret life online as mighty warrior Ibelin in an immersive, animated game called “World of Warcraft”, along with a whole community of friends who cared for him.
Why We Love It:
This astonishing documentary proves that true stories can be more wondrous than fiction. Director Ree’s ingenious premise was to study archived posts and descriptions, and via voice-actors and animation, actually recreate Mats’ past exploits as Ibelin in the “world” of the game. There Mats/Ibelin forms friendships and falls in love with Rumour, the beautiful avatar of Netherlands native Lisette Roovers. As connected as they are, none of his online compatriots ever knew of Mats’ illness. Perhaps most touching is the effect these revelations have on Mats’ grieving parents. “Ibelin” fully earns the adjective “remarkable”.