Watch Resurrect Dead:The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles

Resurrect Dead: The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles is a documentary film that delves deep into one of the strangest urban legends of the past century. Directed by Jon Foy and released in 2011, the movie follows a small group of amateur investigators as they try to unravel the mystery behind a series of cryptic tiles that have been inexplicably appearing on streets throughout North America for over three decades.

The story of the Toynbee Tiles begins in the early 1980s, when a series of strange messages started appearing on the streets of Philadelphia. These messages, which were embedded in tiles made of linoleum and asphalt, contained a mix of religious and political references, as well as enigmatic phrases like "TOYNBEE IDEA IN KUbricK's 2001 RESURRECT DEAD ON PLANET JUPITER." Over the next few decades, the tiles started spreading to other cities, including New York, Boston, and Washington DC, sparking fascination, confusion, and conspiracy theories.

Resurrect Dead follows the quest of a few dedicated individuals who became obsessed with the Toynbee Tiles and spent years trying to decipher their meaning and find out who was behind them. These investigators include Justin Duerr, a temperamental artist who becomes the film's main protagonist, Colin Smith, a computer expert who helps with the research, and Steve Weinik, a filmmaker who captures the investigation on camera.

The documentary follows the team as they travel across the country, tracking down the tiles and interviewing people who have encountered them. Along the way, they encounter a cast of colorful characters, including a man who claims to have created the tiles himself, a conspiracy theorist who thinks they are connected to the government, and a scientist who explains the concept of a 'resurrection of the dead' in the context of Arthur C. Clarke's science fiction.

The investigation is filled with dead ends, false leads, and frustrating moments of setback, but the team's perseverance and passion keep them going. They spend countless hours poring over maps, decoding messages, and analyzing the tiles' composition, all while avoiding run-ins with the law and hostile locals who don't appreciate their intrusion.

The heart of the movie lies in the fascinating mystery behind the tiles, and the way it captures the imagination of the investigators and the audience alike. The tiles are a perfect example of how urban legends can take root and spread in the age of the internet, and how a simple message can become a powerful meme that resonates with people around the world.

Resurrect Dead is not just a documentary about the mystery of the Toynbee Tiles, but also a meditation on the nature of obsession, the power of art, and the lure of the unknown. Through its storytelling and editing, the film creates a surreal, almost dreamlike atmosphere that reflects the enigmatic nature of the tiles themselves. The movie raises many questions, but ultimately, it's up to the viewer to decide what the Toynbee Tiles really mean, and whether they are a work of genius, madness, or something in between.

In conclusion, Resurrect Dead: The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles is a thought-provoking documentary that will leave you with more questions than answers. Whether you're a fan of urban legends, art, or just good investigative storytelling, this movie is well worth your time.