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A Life Illuminated

Play trailer Poster for A Life Illuminated 2025 1h 29m Documentary Nature Play Trailer Watchlist
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A LIFE ILLUMINATED follows trailblazing marine biologist Dr. Edie Widder--one of the first women in her field and one of the first humans to explore the ocean's twilight zone--as she descends 3,300 feet into the ocean's darkest depths. From capturing the first-ever footage of the elusive giant squid to unveiling the glowing mysteries of deep-sea bioluminescence, Edie embarks on her most daring quest yet: to document a bioluminescent phenomenon that could forever change how we understand life on Earth.

Critics Reviews

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Kate Erbland IndieWire She's got way too much to say. And that compulsion -- a genuine, profound desire to share her findings with the world -- makes for a classic, stick-to-your ribs documentary experience about a fascinating person. Rated: B Sep 23, 2025 Full Review Andy Howell Film Threat A Life Illuminated is an incredible film. It takes us to one of the most extreme places on Earth, it reveals previously unseen phenomena, it takes us on the journey of scientific discovery, and it is an inspiration. Rated: 9/10 Sep 19, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Cast & Crew

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Tasha Van Zandt

Director

Edie Widder

Self

Tasha Van Zandt

Producer

Sebastian Zeck

Producer

Jessica Harrop

Producer

Kathryn Everett

Producer
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A Life Illuminated

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Movie Info

Synopsis A LIFE ILLUMINATED follows trailblazing marine biologist Dr. Edie Widder--one of the first women in her field and one of the first humans to explore the ocean's twilight zone--as she descends 3,300 feet into the ocean's darkest depths. From capturing the first-ever footage of the elusive giant squid to unveiling the glowing mysteries of deep-sea bioluminescence, Edie embarks on her most daring quest yet: to document a bioluminescent phenomenon that could forever change how we understand life on Earth.
Director
Tasha Van Zandt
Producer
Tasha Van Zandt, Sebastian Zeck, Jessica Harrop, Kathryn Everett
Production Co
Sandbox Films
Genre
Documentary, Nature
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 29m