Janice R. Andrews
Netflix’s new documentary, Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever, takes an in-depth look at Bryan Johnson, a tech millionaire on a mission to reverse aging. Released on January 1, the film offers a window into Johnson’s extraordinary efforts to slow down his biological clock. With an intricate routine of pills, experimental treatments, and cutting-edge technology, Johnson’s story raises questions about how far people will go to defy aging.
From Tech Success to Longevity Pioneer
Bryan Johnson’s path began far from his current world of medical experiments. Raised in the Church of Latter-Day Saints, his early life followed the teachings of his faith. After entering the tech industry post-college, Johnson found success as the founder of Braintree, an e-commerce payment company. The company acquired Venmo in 2012 and later sold to PayPal for $800 million.
Despite his professional achievements, Johnson battled depression and physical health issues, which led him to leave the church, end his marriage, and begin rethinking his life’s purpose. These experiences eventually fueled his obsession with extending human life, now embodied in his Blueprint initiative.
The Blueprint for Eternal Youth
Johnson’s longevity regimen is centered around Blueprint, a health system he describes as a way to align his body’s 35 trillion cells toward a single goal: living longer.
In a 2023 Rolling Stone interview, Johnson explained:
“Blueprint may seem like it’s about diet, sleep, and health. It’s not. It’s about figuring out how we survive as a species.”
His regimen includes taking over 100 supplements daily, regular medical scans, blood tests, and experimental therapies. Johnson also follows a strict diet of superfoods, an intensive workout plan, and unorthodox procedures like plasma donations from his 18-year-old son, Talmage.
Johnson spends more than $2 million annually on this program, a lifestyle that many critics argue is impractical for the average person. However, Johnson believes his methods could eventually inspire more accessible solutions for navigating health challenges and aging.
A Divisive Figure in Longevity
Directed by Chris Smith, known for controversial documentaries like Tiger King and Fyre, Don’t Die explores Johnson’s polarizing mission. The film includes interviews with researchers, journalists, and doctors, offering varying perspectives on his work.
Some dismiss Johnson as a self-promoter, using his platform to sell expensive health products. Others view him as a trailblazer in longevity science. Meanwhile, some experts acknowledge the potential benefits of his research but question whether his resources could be better allocated to broader studies.
Living by an Algorithm
One of the documentary’s most striking revelations is Johnson’s decision to let an algorithm dictate his health decisions. He claims his data-driven approach minimizes human error and ensures optimal results.
“In its most extreme form, I’m suggesting it does not matter what the human mind says at this point in time,” Johnson said in the film. “I basically agreed to this algorithm that my body runs itself. My mind observes—my mind no longer decides.”
This philosophy has sparked debates about the role of technology in health and whether it represents progress or a loss of personal agency.
Family Sacrifices
Johnson’s unrelenting pursuit of longevity has deeply affected his personal life. His ex-wife and two of his children remain practicing Mormons and are estranged from him. His son Talmage, however, left the church and now lives with his father, fully adopting the Blueprint lifestyle.
The documentary explores the emotional cost of Johnson’s mission, shedding light on the sacrifices involved in his unorthodox approach to living longer.
Pioneering the Future of Health
At its core, Don’t Die suggests that Johnson’s work is less about achieving immortality and more about creating a roadmap for healthier, longer lives. While his methods may seem extreme or unattainable, they have sparked valuable discussions about the potential of technology to transform human health.
By sharing his journey on a global platform like Netflix, Johnson hopes to inspire a broader audience to consider the possibilities of a data-driven approach to health and aging. Whether his mission leads to groundbreaking scientific advancements or remains a costly experiment, one thing is certain: Bryan Johnson is redefining what it means to age in the modern world.
As the documentary’s title implies, Johnson’s ultimate goal is simple: Don’t Die. For now, his story continues to challenge conventional thinking about aging and longevity.
