Watch Alternate Endings: Six New Ways to Die in America

Alternate Endings: Six New Ways to Die in America is a unique and thought-provoking documentary film released in 2019, directed by Matthew O'Neill and Perri Peltz. The movie explores the various ways in which individuals in America choose to approach their own death, as well as how they choose to mourn the loss of loved ones. The title of the movie, "Alternate Endings," refers to the six distinct ways in which people in America are redefining what it means to die.

The film is divided into six separate storylines or case studies, each focusing on a different individual or group of individuals. The first is a young woman named Lasonia who is struggling with terminal cancer. She has decided to have her body frozen after she passes, in the hopes that future technology will be able to bring her back to life. The second story follows a woman named Judy who has chosen to end her own life using Oregon's Death with Dignity law. We see her final moments, surrounded by her family, as she peacefully drifts off to sleep.

The third tale is the story of a man named Ron who is a hospice chaplain. We follow him as he assists families through the process of losing a loved one, and watch as he himself grieves the loss of his wife. The fourth storyline features a woman named Maria who has opted to have a "green burial" - a burial that is eco-friendly and leaves minimal impact on the environment. We watch as her family gathers around to say goodbye as she is buried in a field in a meadow.

The fifth story is that of a man named Budhi who has been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. He has chosen to travel to Switzerland to pursue assisted suicide. The film documents the journey he takes with his wife and family, and shows the final moments before his death. The final narrative presented is that of a couple, Chris and Kathy, who have both been diagnosed with terminal illnesses. They have decided to plan a combined "death party," inviting their friends and family to celebrate their lives and say their goodbyes.

Throughout the movie, we hear from various experts, including funeral directors, doctors, and ethicists, who provide insight into each of the six ways of dying presented. They discuss the legal and moral issues surrounding end-of-life care and the different options available to people.

Alternate Endings: Six New Ways to Die in America is a powerful and poignant documentary that tackles a difficult subject with sensitivity and thoughtfulness. It presents a diverse range of perspectives on how individuals in America choose to approach their own death or that of their loved ones. The film is not only informative, but also emotional, as it captures the pain, grief, and joy that come with the end of a life. It prompts the audience to consider their own mortality and to reflect on what they want for their own end of life, encouraging them to start those conversations with their loved ones before it's too late.

Overall, the film is a must-watch for anyone interested in the end-of-life care and the various ways people are redefining what it means to die. It is a compelling and eye-opening work that brings an important issue into the forefront of the conversation.

Alternate Endings: Six New Ways to Die in America is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 8 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.