A revolutionary documentary is challenging conventional approaches to death and dying by exploring the therapeutic use of psychedelics in palliative care. Edge of Life, created by multidisciplinary artist Lynette Wallworth, examines how substances like psilocybin – the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms – are helping terminally ill patients confront their mortality.
Bridging Modern Medicine and Ancient Wisdom
The film follows an Australian-first clinical trial conducted at Melbourne's St Vincent's Hospital, led by Dr Justin Dwyer and Dr Margaret Ross. Rather than finding their work in palliative care depressing, Dr Dwyer describes it as "the most life-affirming environment I've ever worked in, because it's all about living".
What makes this documentary particularly compelling is its exploration of the intersection between modern medical science and ancient indigenous practices. The medical team's journey leads them to conversations with Amazonian and Maya shamans who have used psychedelics in cultural practices for centuries.
A Personal Journey for Medical Professionals
After observing the transformative experiences of trial participants – including patients identified only as Flavia and Ros – Dr Dwyer and Dr Ross decide to undergo their own psychedelic journey to better understand the process. They accept Wallworth's invitation to travel to the Amazon and drink ayahuasca under the guidance of Muka Yawanawa, a shaman from the Yawanawá people.
The documentary thoughtfully weaves together the perspectives of grounded medical professionals with indigenous wisdom. Dr Chris Kerr, who runs Buffalo Hospice Palliative Care in New York, acknowledges his "natural discomfort" with "the woo-woo" aspects, while recognising that concepts about dying appear across virtually every culture, from Biblical texts to Plato and various indigenous traditions.
Visual Poetry and Profound Questions
Wallworth employs striking visual metaphors throughout the film, particularly powerful images of water representing cleansing and renewal. One memorable sequence features a partly animated, part live-action image of a woman standing on a rock at the ocean's edge, with a painted tree shimmering on the horizon and pulsing with bursts of colour.
The film raises profound questions about why such a universal subject as death remains rarely discussed in terms of how we might improve, enrich and grow from the experience. It suggests that the insights gained from combining scientific research with ancient practices could fundamentally transform not just how we die, but how we choose to live.
Edge of Life represents a growing movement to reconsider the dying process through the combined lenses of science, ancient wisdom, and modern therapeutic practices. The documentary is currently showing in select cinemas across Australia, offering viewers a unique perspective on life's final journey.
