IFFR
In John Lilly and the Earth Coincidence Control Office, directors Michael Almereyda and Courtney Stephens closely into the enigmatic life of neuroscientist John C. Lilly, whose unconventional experiments with dolphins, humans and psychedelics sought to expand the boundaries of human consciousness. Narrated by Chloë Sevigny, the film uses archival footage, cultural clips, and interviews to explore Lilly’s controversial methodologies, far-reaching ideas, cultural context and legacy.
Directed by: Michael Almereyda, Courtney Stepens
Year: 2025
Country: USA
Length: 89 minutes
The documentary opens with archival footage of Lilly stating, “We are a talking animal. The dolphins and whales are talking animals. But they are communicating in physical parameters outside of our experience.” This sets the stage for his ambitious attempts to bridge interspecies communication, gradually transforming into increasingly radical experiments as Lilly delves deeper into the intellegence and communication of dolphins, including his infamous yet Nasa-funded experiments where he injected dolphins with LSD to map their pain and pleasure centers. These endeavors, while groundbreaking, raise significant questions about the manipulation of sentient beings for scientific exploration, with various perspectives carefully incorporated by the directors.
Almereyda, known for his films that often explore the intersection of technology and human experience, such as Tesla and Experimenter, brings a nuanced perspective to Lilly’s story. His fascination with visionary figures who challenge societal norms aligns seamlessly with Lilly’s narrative. Stephens, whose previous work Invention was a highlight at the Locarno Film Festival, contributes her expertise in archival documentary and experimental storytelling. Invention delved into alternative realities and conspiracies from an empathetic viewpoint, themes that resonate deeply in the exploration of Lilly’s life and work.
The collaboration between Almereyda and Stephens might seem unexpected, yet it proves to be a phenomenal pairing. Their combined strengths offer a strong examination of Lilly’s pursuits, from his development of the isolation tank to the involvement of his ideas in MKUltra and other governmental experiments, the pusuit of the extraterrestrial, and the increasing popularity of his philosophy in cinema and even video games. The film depics the ethical implications of Lilly’s methods and the toll of his obsessive quest for understanding, but also makes sure to place his life in a much larger socio-political environment to further enhance the audience’s understanding of the context of Lilly’s work, extending far beyond himself.
John Lilly and the Earth Coincidence Control Office is an engaging historical document and a experimental piece on the limits of scientific research. It challenges viewers to consider the moral boundaries of experimentation and the complex interplay between ambition and ethics, through its innovative storytelling and highly interesting subject matter.
“John Lilly and the Earth Coincidence Control Office” premiered at the 2025 International Film Festival Rotterdam as part of the festival’s Limelight selection.
obviouslyreviews.com 