Watch The Creeping Garden

The Creeping Garden is a fascinating and eerie documentary film from 2014 that explores the strange world of slime molds, a group of primitive organisms that are neither plant nor animal but something in between. The film, which was directed by Tim Grabham and Jasper Sharp, features interviews with scientists, artists, and enthusiasts who have devoted their lives to studying and experimenting with slime molds.

The film starts with a brief introduction to slime molds, which are little-known organisms that are found in damp forests and other habitats around the world. Slime molds are fascinating because they have a complex life cycle that involves different forms and behaviors, including migration, communication, and even problem-solving.

The main focus of the film is on the art and science of slime molds. We meet a number of people who are fascinated by these organisms, including Mark Pagnell, who has been growing and studying slime molds for over 20 years, and Heather Barnett, an artist who uses slime molds to create intricate and beautiful patterns.

One of the most interesting parts of the film is the section on the use of slime molds in science. We see how scientists are using these organisms to study everything from the behavior of cells to the dynamics of social networks. Bryn Dentinger, a mycologist at the Royal Botanic Gardens in London, explains how slime molds can be used to model the spread of diseases and the behavior of crowds.

Another fascinating aspect of the film is the use of time-lapse photography to capture the movements of slime molds. We see how these organisms can move in complex patterns and even change shape to fit through narrow spaces. The film also features some stunning footage of slime molds growing and developing, which is both beautiful and a little bit creepy.

Throughout the film, we learn about the many mysteries of these organisms, including the question of how they sense their environment and communicate with each other. We also see how slime molds are being used to create new technologies, such as bio-computers and self-healing materials.

Overall, The Creeping Garden is a captivating and thought-provoking documentary that offers a glimpse into a fascinating and little-known world. Whether you are a scientist, an artist, or simply curious about the natural world, this film is sure to leave you with a new appreciation for the strange and wonderful creatures that exist all around us.

The Creeping Garden is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 67.