Benjamin Ree’s documentary Ibelin explores the hidden online life of 25-year-old Mats, who passed away from Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Following his death, Mats’ family is shocked to discover this whole other life after being left with his login information.

The film starts off focused on Mats’ parents and sister, with home videos and interviews chronicling Mats’ childhood and Duchenne diagnosis. Due to his diagnosis, they allow Mats to spend more time gaming, however, they worry that he won’t be able to live a full life. They worry that Mats won’t be able to experience falling in love, and genuine friendships. Little do they know that Mats has a huge impact online, where he spends time writing on his blog, Musings of Life as well as spending countless hours playing World of Warcraft. After publishing a blog post updating Mats’ readers of his passing, the family is shocked to receive emails from those who were impacted by Mats. We then transition to animated World of Warcraft sequences, where we follow interactions that Mats led online as his character Ibelin.

As Ibelin, Mats leads a fulfilling life, making friends with those in his guild, Starlight, as well as even falling in love with Rumour (Lisette.) We get to know Lisette and her experience knowing Ibelin/Mats. Lisette explains their relationship, and how Mats was always someone she could confide in. Like Lisette, other members of Starlight became very close to Mats, including a mother-son duo. The two explain how Mats inspired the two to connect through gaming, leading to a closer relationship. It was really endearing to hear each of their experiences with Ibelin/Mats, who was a source of light and encouragement for each of them. However, as close as all of them became, Mats would still hide a lot of his personal life and wouldn’t share his diagnosis until very close to his death. Watching the progression of his disease was heartbreaking, as we listen to the narration of his blog, where he wishes to be “normal” and how he can’t enjoy the food he used to love, and how even gaming was proving to become difficult.

Ibelin is a beautifully crafted film showing the power online communities. By utilizing animated sequences, the film provided a way for viewers to immerse themselves in this gaming world, really allowing viewers to get a sense of the life Mats led online. Hearing Mats’ impact on so many people, along with readings from his blog was really moving. Mats’ story encompasses so much and is truly inspiring. I was crying throughout the whole film, and the end had me completely emotionally overwhelmed. As a gamer, I can definitely relate to the ways that gaming can provide sanctuary, escape, and real friendships, however, this film reaches beyond gaming, just like Mats’ influence.

We give Ibelin a 5/5.