You are here:
Immortal

Immortal

2010

TV-PG

Director

Sonya Pemberton

Runtime

55 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

Synopsis

Astonishingly, science has uncovered the key to unlimited life – and a secret of endless youth. Deep in the DNA of a humble pond creature an Australian-born scientist co-discovered an 'immortalising' enzyme, a chemical catalyst that can keep cells young, forever. In 2009 this discovery was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine. But, this is no simple 'cure' for ageing. For the same enzyme that fuels endless youth, also fuels cancer. Immortal reveals the inner workings of this biological paradox and its remarkable impact on ageing, stress, disease and cancer.

Where to Watch

Diversity & Representation

Overall Score

4.1/10

Fair


Category Breakdown

LGBTQ+ Representation

Minimal

The documentary focuses strictly on biochemical mechanisms and medical history. There are no LGBTQ+ characters or narratives addressing heteronormativity present in the film.

Gender Representation

Fair

The narrative centers on a Nobel Prize-winning discovery. It remains unclear if the film subverts gender hierarchies in STEM or reinforces a male-centric history of scientific achievement.

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Fair

The film explores a global scientific milestone involving international collaboration. However, there is no confirmation of a non-white majority cast or specific intersectional representation.

Religious & Cultural Diversity

Fair

The film avoids simplistic views of progress by framing scientific breakthroughs as moral paradoxes. It explores the ethics of longevity and human intervention in nature.

Disability Representation

Minimal

Cancer is treated as a biological phenomenon rather than a narrative vehicle for characters. There is no evidence of using illness as a plot device for character development.

Strengths

  • Provides intellectual complexity by exploring the ethical paradoxes of scientific breakthroughs.
  • Avoids simplistic, celebratory views of progress by addressing the dangers of medical intervention.

Areas for Improvement

  • Lacks explicit intersectional character agency and diverse social representation.
  • Does not provide clear evidence of subverting traditional gender hierarchies within the scientific community.

AI Analysis

Immortal is an educational inquiry into molecular biology and the discovery of the telomerase enzyme. Its primary goal is to deconstruct complex biological processes rather than address social hierarchies. The film succeeds in providing intellectual complexity by exploring the ethical double-edged sword of scientific advancement. It avoids techno-optimism by highlighting how the same enzyme fueling youth also fuels cancer. However, the documentary lacks explicit intersectional character agency. The focus on biochemical mechanisms means it misses opportunities for broader social representation and diverse human narratives.

How are these scores produced? →

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.