Sundance 2024

Eternal You explores the cutting-edge work of various startups aiming to bridge the gap between life and death through AI. By creating chatbots, avatars, and even VR simulations of deceased loved ones, these companies offer grieving individuals a unique opportunity: the ability to communicate with the dead. Through interviews with end users and developers and what feels like reenacted chat sessions between AI and those seeking connection, the documentary provides an intriguing look at how this technology attempts to fill a void left by loss.

At the heart of Eternal You is the emotionally and morally divisive question of whether such technology is genuinely beneficial. We hear from those who justify it, arguing that as long as adults understand what they are engaging with, it can be a helpful tool in processing grief. On the other side, the film brings in voices warning that these simulations may be emotionally damaging, especially for vulnerable individuals who could convince themselves of the technology’s authenticity as a way to mask lingering pain.

While the documentary raises fascinating ethical concerns, much of the film’s commentary feels repetitive. The moral questions, while important, never entirely evolve beyond surface-level explorations. However, the film still manages to provide a thought-provoking glimpse into the future of AI, particularly for those unfamiliar with how far the technology has come. It’s always fascinating to imagine the implications of these advancements and how they could reshape our lives.

Though Eternal You may not offer revelatory insights, it succeeds in sparking essential discussions about the intersection of technology and human emotion. For those curious about the future of AI and its role in our most intimate moments, this documentary is worth seeking out. It may not fully explore every facet of the debate, but it leaves viewers plenty to reflect on.

— 3 / 5 ⭐