Director Christopher James Cramer clearly feels passionate about the transformative power of psilocybin, since Journeys seeks to educate audiences through a series of first-hand accounts. Bringing in experts connected to this therapeutic form of healing who are deeply invested in the virtues of mind expansion as a form of catharsis. Sharing insightful experiences into how this approach has successfully treated countless conditions and created unique epiphanies. Resulting in a documentary that seeks to enlighten audiences on their own journeys.
By combining a philosophical tone with understated visuals Christopher James Cramer allows his subject to speak for itself, giving his advocates a cinematic platform to break down this topic into bite-sized pieces. Intimate accounts of personal lives distinctive for their individual trauma inflicted at the hands of outside forces, healed in some way through experiences with psilocybin. Moments of transcendence that put everything into perspective, allowing them to confront these fears in a safe environment and be forever changed.
Journeys might be easy to understand, but this documentary is not without detractors waiting in the wings. Anything that is labelled as alternative, irrespective of the topic, will come up against opposition based on prejudice borne of either ignorance or fear. What Journeys attempts to do with some success is strip away pre-conceptions around this mind-expanding mushroom and give audiences information enough to reflect upon.
It has an academic edge but still feels accessible, neither preaching from the pulpit nor condescending to a captive audience. The stories of rejuvenation that pepper this documentary speak to the virtues of microdosing, explore concepts of internal and external experience, but never lack authority. Considering the topic, this is a balancing that should be much more precarious but works because of the integrity of those involved.
Audiences will also find it hard to ignore the exploration of self this documentary sparks in them, since Journeys implies that psilocybin offers freedom from social pressure. A need to confirm, a desire to be status driven, and ego-centric on any level potentially banished forever. As a concept the thought is not only considered provocative by certain sections of society, who cling to these constructs for reassurance, but threatens to undermine something more fundamental.
As with everything, plants that grow naturally upon our planet and have such profound healing properties are always going to be treated with suspicion by some. Even if the organisations in question who promote these properties offer their product and guidance for free. In a world of social media cynicism, when people would rather undermine and diminish than celebrate solutions, Journeys feels like a breath of fresh air.
This documentary feels inherently optimistic and forward thinking, educating audiences in an engaging way, without resorting to smoke and mirrors. Everything from manufacture to application and legislation is covered without dropping the ball, turning Journeys into a truly enlighten experience. Just like the lauded heroic dose that is mentioned extensively, each person will take away something different from this documentary and remain forever changed as a result.
Journeys is available on Prime Video, Apple TV, and digital download now.