Watch A Will For The Woods

A Will for the Woods is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary that follows the journey of a terminally ill man, Clark Wang, who decides to prepare for his own burial in a natural and sustainable way. Directed by Amy Browne, Jeremy Kaplan, Tony Hale, and Brian Wilson, the film explores the growing movement of green burial, which seeks to replace traditional funeral practices with environmentally friendly alternatives.

The documentary begins with Clark Wang, a young psychiatrist who has been diagnosed with lymphoma, a type of cancer that is difficult to treat. Knowing that he has limited time left, Clark decides that he wants his body to be buried in a way that protects the environment and contributes to the natural ecosystem. He learns about the concept of natural burial, which involves burying the body in a biodegradable casket, coffin, or shroud, without embalming, concrete vaults, or other conventional funeral practices.

Clark's desire to have a green burial leads him to the Wilderness Preserve, a conservation burial ground located in his home state of North Carolina. The preserve is a unique cemetery that allows the deceased to be buried in a natural, undeveloped area that is protected from development and destruction. Clark becomes passionate about the idea of being buried in the wilderness and decides to help the preserve expand and grow. He becomes a vocal advocate for green burial and works with the staff and volunteers of the preserve to create a sustainable model for natural burial.

The film follows Clark's journey as he navigates the challenges of facing his own mortality while also working to create a lasting legacy. He meets with funeral directors, environmental activists, and other experts in the field of green burial, learning about the various options available for a natural funeral. He also meets with his own family members, who have mixed feelings about his decision to be buried in the wilderness.

Throughout the film, A Will for the Woods presents a number of compelling arguments in favor of green burial. It highlights the negative impact that traditional funeral practices can have on the environment, such as the use of toxic chemicals in embalming fluid, the depletion of natural resources in casket production, and the creation of large, sterile cemetery landscapes. The film also explores the spiritual and emotional benefits of natural burial, including the idea that death can be a natural and transformative process that is deeply connected to the cycles of nature.

Despite its heavy subject matter, A Will for the Woods is an inspiring and uplifting film that celebrates the power of community, connection, and collaboration. It showcases the efforts of a dedicated group of volunteers and enthusiasts who are working to create a more sustainable and compassionate approach to death and dying. The film also serves as a moving tribute to Clark Wang, whose passion, vision, and generosity continue to inspire others to embrace a more natural way of honoring the dead.

In summary, A Will for the Woods is a well-crafted and engaging documentary that explores the growing movement of green burial through the personal journey of one man. It provides a compelling case for why natural burial is an important and viable alternative to traditional funeral practices, and it celebrates the power of community and collaboration in creating positive change. The film is sure to resonate with anyone who is interested in sustainability, environmentalism, and end-of-life issues, and it offers a unique and poignant glimpse into the human experience of preparing for one's own death.

A Will For The Woods is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 54.