ABoth earthly and magical, mushrooms not only connect us to the origins of life itself, but also open doors to other realms of consciousness. In Marion Neumann’s cowardly documentary, the latest in a series of films that weigh in on her enigma, the mushroom may even save the world.

Compared to the surreal time-lapse photography of The Fantastic Mushrooms of Louie Schwartzberg (2019) or the rustic charm of The Truffle Hunters by Michael Dweck and Gregory Kershaw (2020), Neumann’s approach is more free and eccentric. Interviews with a wide range of mushroom enthusiasts – including scientists, culinary specialists and dedicated enthusiasts – explore the generative power of mushrooms with vigor and optimism. Considering that the cultivation of fungal cultures has allowed us to relieve our physical ailments as well as repair damaged ecosystems, the film posits that beyond a transactional relationship, humans can also model our behaviors on the virtues of the fungus. Mycelium, the word that describes the thread-like structure of fungal colonies, is often brought up, suggesting that humanity should yearn for such interconnectedness in the face of increasing ecological disasters.

Conventionally shot expert interviews are juxtaposed with more abstract footage, which zooms in on germinating spores or colorful mold growing in lab dishes. Both alienating and familiar, the strange beauty of these kaleidoscopic forms recalls Stan Brakhage’s experimental short films; instead of a voiceover, these sequences are stamped instead with Neumann’s philosophical and poetic captions that ponder the mushroom’s transcendental qualities. The patience, care, and sheer awe that emanates from the way Neumann observes these fungal configurations is inspiring, prompting us to inspect our surroundings with equal rigor and curiosity.