Netflix viewers 'in floods of tears' over heartbreaking new documentary based on devastating true story

Netflix viewers have been left emotionally stirred by a new documentary that tells a heart-wrenching yet inspiring true story.

The Remarkable Life of Ibelin chronicles the life of a Norwegian World of Warcraft enthusiast who tragically passed away from a degenerative muscular disease at the tender age of 25.

His parents, believing he led an incredibly solitary life, were left in mourning until his friends from the multiplayer game reached out, unveiling an extensive online community that surpassed their wildest imaginations.

Audiences who watched the new film over the weekend have been deeply touched by the story of Ibelin, whose real name is Mats Steen, and have shared their sincere reactions online.

"The Remarkable Life Of Ibelin lands on Netflix today," one movie enthusiast announced on X (formerly Twitter), reports the Mirror.

"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."

Another viewer confessed: "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 critic on the film social media platform Letterboxd penned: "Gaming not only as an escape, but as a conduit for friendship, love, and community.

"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."

Openly emotional, they added: "Anyways, I sobbed for 106 straight minutes."

"IBELIN reduced me to a mess," another viewer expressed their feelings.

"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."

Anticipatory fears were confirmed by another Letterboxd user, who disclosed: "I delayed watching this for a long time because I knew it would destroy me. I was right."

The emotional resonance of the film was clear as someone admitted online, having posted a tearful selfie: "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."

Other viewers have pointed out a poignant detail added to the game; a touching memorial to Ibelin that's often visited by his online friends and fans.

Sharing a viewing experience, an individual recounts: "Watched The Remarkable Life of Ibelin on Netflix this evening with @Tufftales and oh boy is it incredible yet heartbreaking."

"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."

The Remarkable Life of Ibelin is available to stream on Netflix.