The subject of Chris Smith's latest documentary is 47-year-old tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, who spends $2 million annually to combat aging. Although Smith wasn't the first filmmaker to show interest in Johnson's quest, his previous work encouraged Johnson's team to collaborate with him. The result is a Netflix documentary called “Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever”, a fascinating look into Johnson's anti-aging methods and lifestyle.
Johnson follows an exacting regime including taking 130 daily pills, eating dinner at 11 a.m., sleeping from 8:30 p.m., a 90-minute workout, weekly MRIs, skincare treatments, plasma exchanges, and controversial Follistatin gene therapy. Despite the critique and skepticism from numerous scientists, Johnson and his team believe in their protocol's potential to advance anti-aging science.
Smith's documentary takes an impartial view, presenting both the supporters and skeptics of Johnson's regimen. The film hopes to highlight that significant health benefits can be achieved through sleep, diet, and exercise - principals accessible to everyone.
Johnson continues to live the regimented lifestyle portrayed in the documentary. A part of his protocol is also offered to the public through his health initiative company Blueprint at a price. However, Johnson emphasizes that good health is achievable for everyone as most of his protocol, such as prioritizing sleep, is free. Despite criticism for not investing his wealth in clinical trials, Johnson remains steadfast in his belief that his approach can revolutionize global health habits.
“Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever” is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
