Netflix documentary leaves viewers 'in pieces' and 'sobbing for 106 minutes'

Netflix has left its subscribers reaching for tissues with a compelling new documentary that tells the heart-wrenching true tale of a young Norwegian man's life and untimely death. 'The Remarkable Life of Ibelin', delves into the world of a passionate World of Warcraft player who passed away at just 25 due to a degenerative muscular condition.

The grief of his parents, who believed he had lived an incredibly solitary life, was transformed when they discovered the extensive network of friends he had made online - a community that their son had kept surprising even in his absence. This weekend, viewers who watched the film have been deeply touched by the story of Mats Steen, known online as Ibelin, with many taking to social media platforms to share their poignant responses.

"The Remarkable Life Of Ibelin lands on Netflix today," commented a documentary enthusiast on X. "I saw this a couple of months ago at NZIFF and can heartily recommend it. One of the saddest, yet most joyous things I've seen in a long time, and concrete proof that things are sometimes never as they seem."

Emotions ran high for another viewer who said: "Just finished watching the Remarkable Life of Ibelin and I'm not OK. I've been crying for 20 mins. This story hit hard, especially for me personally since I have been through a very similar thing. HIGHLY recommend watching this (it's on netflix), even if you don't play WoW! ".

A reviewer on the movie social media platform Letterboxd wrote: "Gaming not only as an escape, but as a conduit for friendship, love, and community.", reports the Mirror.

"Adored the decision to have some of the documentary told through the World of Warcraft animation, adds a layer of intimacy that otherwise could not be accessed."

They then confessed: "Anyways, I sobbed for 106 straight minutes."

"IBELIN reduced me to a mess," another viewer admitted. "A moving tribute to a remarkable individual and a meditation on the transformative power of shared video games, and the special lives we can lead within them."

Another Letterboxd user penned: "I delayed watching this for a long time because I knew it would destroy me. I was right."

"Just watched The Remarkable Life of Ibelin and I have never cried this much in my life. I am in pieces jfc. What a beautiful film," an X user posted, sharing a photo of their tear-filled eyes.

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Other viewers highlighted a touching detail added to the game; a heartfelt memorial to Ibelin frequently visited by his online friends and fans. "Watched The Remarkable Life of Ibelin on Netflix this evening with @Tufftales and oh boy is it incredible yet heartbreaking," a final X user commented.

"Can't recommend it enough to any gamer, especially MMO/WoW folk. Visited his in-game memorial right after, seems we weren't the only ones."