Journeys to the Edge of Consciousness

I didn't know what to expect from this film but I learnt so much. The interviews offered views and opinions I had never considered before, and the film took me into the imaginations of writers like Aldous Huxley, who I greatly admire, and whose version of the future looks to become a truth in how we chose to live and be governed. The animation is superb - stylish, smart and intriguing. A must-watch for all those interested in widening their understanding of what consciousness is.

Journeys to the Edge of Consciousness is a wonderful film - it encapsulates such an important message so beautifully. I know I was one of many at the screening who found it very moving. More of the world needs to see it, I recommend it to everyone!

I've watched this multiple times now, and every time I feel like I'm discovering something new. The animations are beautiful and compliment the interviews so well. Many of the people who are interviewed I've been following for years, such as Gabor Mate, and it was so interesting to hear things from his perspective. This doc does an amazing job of coming at the concept of psychadelics and consciousness from so many unbiased angles, I think that's why I keep coming back to watching this so often.

Having watched many documentaries on the subject of how exogenous substances interact with human consciousness I can say that this documentary takes a very refreshing perspective on this subject which, sadly, is still severely lacking in research. Hopefully this documentary and others like it will help bring this subject further into the mainstream.

The three accounts retold in this documentary are extremely well presented with a beautifully animated visual style and moving score which all work together elevating this beyond just a film, this is an important piece of self education for those thinking about diving into the world of altering consciousness, but equally this is an audio visual piece of art. Enjoy!

I came to this documentary knowing relatively little about the subject except having heard of Watts, Leary and Huxley, but left having really enjoyed both the information presented and the way the film was put together.

The film is broken down in to 3 parts with short excerpts written by Aldous Huxley, Timothy Leary and Alan Watts describing their early psychedelic experiences. These narratives are set to animation that captures both the linear story and the 'journey' they are going through in their heads. All of them experience deep revelations; about themselves, society and the very idea of consciousness and the human mind. After the animation these experiences are then discussed by eminent psychologists, sociologists etc. who discuss both the cultural impact of these experiences on western society, and why, under controlled conditions, that psychedelics could form part of treatment for certain psychological conditions.

That is not to say that this film advocates uncontrolled use of these psychedelics, quite the opposite, and the dangers of doing so are discussed in some detail. However, the conclusion is that shamanic cultures have used psychedelics for millennia, but only under 'guidance', so if we are to use them clinically, we would need to take the same approach.

So these three eminent western figures stumbled across these substances, which were all but forgotten or unknown at the time. They had transcendental experiences that helped kick-start the post-war cultural shift. Ultimately though there was reaction against this shift, and the stigma of these substances being 'drugs', has blocked what could be a new area of treatment for deep rooted psychological illnesses that, until recently, have been considered practically untreatable.

The experts speak passionately and clearly and this is fascinating, but what really makes the documentary is the animation which is incredibly visually arresting. This makes the whole experience of watching the film very enjoyable as well as interesting.