People often discuss different ways to live: a new diet here, a behavioural change there, perhaps some added spiritual dimension to help one through the maelstrom of existence. But what about new ways to die? The latest film from multi-hyphenate artist Lynette Wallworth – whose eclectic oeuvre includes documentaries, video installations and virtual-reality productions – attempts a difficult task: linking the reality of death to the idea of new possibilities, maybe even new beginnings. Not in terms of an afterlife: the core idea is more about how improving the process of dying might also improve how we live.
Edge of Life explores the medical use of psychedelics in palliative care – particularly psilocybin, a psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms. Research into psychedelics in psychology and psychiatry has surged in recent years, and the film highlights one small part of this: an Australian-first clinical trial conducted at Melbourne’s St Vincent’s hospital by Dr Justin Dwyer and Dr Margaret Ross, who feature prominently.
