Netflix’s devastating film based on a true story has viewers ‘sobbing the entire runtime’

An emotional new documentary has left viewers “sobbing uncontrollably” as it lifts the lid on a tragic true story

Netflix subscribers have been left in puddles of tears by a new documentary based on an eye-opening and tragic true story.

The Remarkable Life of Ibelin follows the life of a Norwegian World of Warcraft enthusiast who died of a degenerative muscular disease at the age of just 25.

His parents were left mourning what they thought was an incredibly lonely life before his friends from the multiplayer game got in touch, revealing his expansive online community was beyond their wildest dreams.

Viewers who tuned into the new film over the weekend have been incredibly moved by the story of Ibelin, whose real name is Mats Steen, and shared their heartfelt reactions online.

“The Remarkable Life Of Ibelin lands on Netflix today,” one film fan said on X (formerly Twitter).

“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 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.

“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 admitted: “Anyways, I sobbed for 106 straight minutes.”

“IBELIN reduced me to a mess,” another confessed.

“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 wrote: “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,” someone on X posted, posting a picture of themself with their eyes glistening with tears.

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.

“Watched The Remarkable Life of Ibelin on Netflix this evening with @Tufftales and oh boy is it incredible yet heartbreaking,” a final X user said.

“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.