Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever

If you’ve ever stared at a wrinkle in the mirror and thought, “Not today, Father Time,” then Bryan Johnson might just be your new spirit animal. Or, depending on how you see it, the world’s most committed sci-fi protagonist who’s wandered off the set of Black Mirror and into real life.

Netflix’s Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever follows the journey (or obsession, depending on your perspective) of Johnson, a tech entrepreneur who’s turned himself into a walking, talking science experiment in the name of eternal youth.

Directed by Chris Smith, the documentary takes us deep into the world of biohacking, cutting-edge medicine, and the kind of extreme self-discipline that makes even the most hardcore fitness influencers look like weekend warriors.

The Blueprint for Never Dying

Johnson, who made a fortune in the tech world, now spends an eye-watering $2 million a year on a routine designed to make his body function as if he’s 18 again.

His lifestyle is dictated by an algorithm, meaning he eats what he’s told, exercises when he’s told, and even sleeps with military precision. If his brain dares to crave a burger or a beer, he dismisses it as an act of rebellion from his outdated biological programming.

But this isn’t just about green smoothies and yoga.

Johnson’s regimen includes swallowing up to 130 pills a day, receiving plasma transfusions from his teenage son (yes, really), and undergoing experimental treatments in places where medical ethics committees dare not tread.

One moment he’s monitoring his nightly erections as a measure of youthful vitality, and the next, he’s joking that his latest gene therapy could turn him into the Hulk. (Spoiler: It doesn’t.)

Is It Science or Just a Midlife Crisis on Steroids?

There’s no doubt that Johnson’s efforts are fascinating, but as the documentary unfolds, a big question looms: is any of this actually working?

Medical experts weigh in, pointing out that his approach is more about throwing everything at the wall and hoping something sticks rather than following the rigorous scientific method.

And therein lies the tension. Johnson isn’t just an anti-aging enthusiast; he’s also selling supplements, dietary plans, and even branded olive oil. Is he a visionary, or just a very persuasive salesman in a lab coat?

The documentary, to its credit, doesn’t shy away from this skepticism, allowing room for both admiration and eye-rolling.

A Man, a Mission, and a Missing Human Connection

Despite all his data-driven discipline, the most compelling part of Don’t Die isn’t the science—it’s the human story underneath.

Johnson left his Mormon faith, his marriage, and arguably his past self behind in pursuit of longevity.

His children are estranged, save for his eldest son, Talmage, who temporarily moves in to join his father’s youth-obsessed quest.

The film’s most surreal moment? A three-generational blood plasma swap, where Talmage donates to Bryan, and Bryan donates to his own father. It’s meant to be a bonding experience, but it plays more like a deleted scene from a dystopian medical thriller.

But no matter how many green juices he chugs, Johnson can’t biohack reality—Talmage eventually leaves for college.

And for the first time, we see Johnson not as the unflappable, data-driven anti-aging machine, but as a father who suddenly feels the weight of time in a way no supplement can erase.

His tearful realization? Longevity means little without connection.

The Verdict: Worth Your Time, But Maybe Not Your Blood

Is Don’t Die a groundbreaking exposé or an elaborate infomercial? The truth, much like Johnson’s age, is hard to pin down.

The documentary is equal parts fascinating and frustrating, balancing its subject’s undeniable commitment with a hefty dose of skepticism.

Director Chris Smith has tackled eccentric visionaries before (see American Movie), but this time, his protagonist isn’t just chasing a dream—he’s trying to outrun death itself.

Whether you find Johnson inspiring or infuriating, one thing’s for sure: by the time the credits roll, you’ll be 90 minutes older.

And for those of us without a $2 million anti-aging budget, that’s just how life works!

Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever is streaming on Netflix now.