Netflix’s The Remarkable Life of Ibelin is a moving and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on an unexpected aspect of modern human connection.
Directed by Benjamin Ree (The Painter and the Thief), this film shares the remarkable story of Mats Steen, a young Norwegian gamer who passed away at just 25 years old from Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Yet in his short life, Mats created a profound and lasting impact through his digital presence in the online role-playing arena, World of Warcraft (WoW).
Having only recently watched the film, I was delighted to discover it’s been shortlisted for the Documentary Feature FIlm category at the Oscars. Even if it doesn’t make the final cut of Oscar nominations, it’s a great achievement nevertheless.
A Life Beyond the Screen
For much of Mats Steen’s life, his parents saw his gaming as an isolating experience. They believed his time spent in front of a screen was a substitute for real-life social interactions.
Mats, however, was living a parallel life as Ibelin Redwood – his charismatic, red-haired avatar in WoW. When Mats passed away in 2014, his family was stunned to receive an outpouring of messages from friends all over the world who had known him as Ibelin.
To these friends, Mats was a source of kindness, humour, and wisdom. He was a hero, a friend, and someone who left a tangible mark on their lives.
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This revelation transformed the way Mats’ family saw him. Where they had once perceived loneliness, they now saw a community. Where they imagined isolation, there was connection.
“We cried and cried from an intense emotional joy that came from seeing what kind of a life Mats had in fact lived,” said his parents. “With real friends, sweethearts, people who cared so much that they would fly from another country to the funeral service of someone they had never met. That was powerful.”
This discovery is at the heart of The Remarkable Life of Ibelin: the power of human bonds, no matter how they are formed.
Animation: A Powerful Storytelling Tool
What sets this documentary apart is its use of animation. Rather than relying solely on traditional home video footage, Ree and his team bring Mats’ virtual life to the screen by recreating scenes within World of Warcraft.
These animated sequences allow viewers to step into the world where Mats truly lived. We see Ibelin embark on adventures, form friendships, and experience life in a way that transcended his physical limitations.
The visuals are immersive and respectful, offering a powerful alternative to the grainy home videos often used in documentaries. It’s more real than you may think, as it’s all based on transcripts and records from the WoW archives. It is the life that Mats lived.
As a viewer, the animated world provides an emotional connection to Mats' digital experiences. It’s not just about watching a life lived online. It helps the viewer understand how that life brought him joy, purpose, and relationships that mattered deeply.
As Mats once wrote on his blog, “It’s not a screen. It’s a gateway to wherever your heart desires.”
A Broader Message: The Internet as Community
In today’s world, the internet is often criticised for fostering isolation, disconnection, and toxicity. The Remarkable Life of Ibelin challenges this narrative.
Through Mats’ story, we are reminded that the online world can be a place of deep human connection, where people find acceptance, friendship, and purpose.
Mats’ online relationships were no less real than face-to-face friendships. In many ways, they allowed him to be his truest self: kind, empathetic, and free.
For those unfamiliar with gaming culture, the film also serves as a bridge of understanding. It showcases how games like World of Warcraft offer more than escapism; they provide spaces for community, creativity, and emotional support.
A Universal Story of Impact and Legacy
The film’s greatest strength is its emotional resonance. Mats’ story speaks to something universal: the desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
Whether through small acts of kindness or deep, lasting friendships, we all have the power to leave a mark.
Mats may not have been able to travel the world, but through WoW, he touched lives across continents. As one of his friends said at his funeral: “Thank you for making a difference.” It’s a sentiment we all hope to hear one day.
Why You Should Watch Ibelin
If you’re looking for a documentary that will move you to tears and leave you reflecting on the nature of human connection, The Remarkable Life of Ibelin is a must-watch.
For those of us living in the digital age, Mats’ story serves as both a reminder and an inspiration: connection is always possible, no matter the boundaries of geography, physicality, or perception.
The combination of heartfelt interviews, Mats’ own words from his blog, and the stunning animation creates a lasting tribute to a young man who lived life fully, even within the limits of his condition.
