Some nights I find myself scrolling through the endless options available to me on Netflix, trying to find some way to pass the time between dinner and sleep.
The other night, one title stood out to me, and just 24 minutes later, I knew I’d just watched one of the most important things I’d ever see.
Extremis is a Netflix original documentary that focuses on the end of life care at an Intensive Care Unit in a Californian hospital. In the short film, we see doctors, families and patients face harrowing end-of-life decisions.
The documentary is only 24 minutes long. There's no time for niceties, or introductions to patients or doctors. End-of-life care is complicated.
But somehow, 24 minutes is all we need to understand how hard a decision it is to decide when and how someone should die.
Twenty-four minutes is all we need to admire the doctors and nurses who have some of the hardest conversations you could ever imagine having with people multiple times a day. To have our hearts broken as we watch families who hold the hands of their loved ones and ask them how they want to leave this world.
Sometimes, the answers aren't ones they want to hear. Sometimes it's a question that is impossible for some people to ask.
Listen to the latest episode of The Binge:
But if you've ever had a family member who's been in that place, experienced that moment where respecting their wishes comes before everything else, this documentary is for you.
Next time you're searching for a way to switch up your Netflix binge, I highly recommend Extremis. You won't regret spending those 24 minutes of your time watching it.
Top Comments
I've been thinking of watching this. We had an end of life discussion with my Mums doctor in April and it was the hardest thing we have ever had to face. I feel for those doctors and nurses who do it everyday.
I also happened upon this about a week ago... Totally changed the way in which I view end of life care/talks. Often, in fictional tv and movies, we get to see 'the miracle', people miraculously surviving and recovering with little to no after affects of serious trauma. When in this position in real life, it is difficult to accept that maybe things won't be ok, maybe there won't be a happy ending. I have been in this position, with my infant son. Choosing to turn off life support was the hardest decision I've ever had to make.... and even now, 4 years on, I struggle to come to terms with it. I was incredibly moved watching this documentary :(
I'm truly sorry for the loss of your son.