The End Of Meat

The End of Meat is a thought-provoking and futuristic documentary film from 2017 that poses a question with profound environmental and ethical implications: what would the world look like if humans stopped consuming meat? The film, directed by Marc Pierschel, features a bevy of influential thought leaders, professionals, and game-changers in the plant-based niche. They include renowned animal rights activist Gene Baur, Australian footballer and vegan advocate Jason Ball, and innovative biotech entrepreneur Ryan Bethencourt, among others.

The self-questioning nature of the film is an invitation to viewers to explore not only what a meatless future would mean for humanity but what it would mean for the billions of animals bred into existence to feed us. This perspective offers a unique vantage point, tapping into the heightened focus on sustainability, health consciousness, and global resource management that permeates modern society.

Throughout the movie, Pierschel delves into the possible environmental, nutritional, and ethical implications of a post-meat society. To answer the question at hand, the film travels across multiple continents, providing vast geographical depth to the subject matter. The viewer is taken on a global tour, from bustling city streets to remote farmland, encompassing diverse views that are not typically heard in discussions about the meat industry or global nutrition.

The film offers a platform for pioneers in the emerging field of cultured meat or 'clean meat,' meat developed from cells in a laboratory, eliminating the need for animal slaughter. Entrepreneurs like Ryan Bethencourt, who are at the forefront of this movement, provide insights into the scientific potential and ethical considerations of this alternative.

In The End of Meat, one is also introduced to animal sanctuary workers, like Gene Baur, who offer compelling narratives on how a shift away from animal agriculture could lead to a more compassionate society. This subplot delves deep into the intersections of animal rights, plant-based diets, and environmental sustainability, with fearless emotional exploration of the relationships between humans and animals.

In this meat-centric world where a steak dinner or a fast-food hamburger is a regular part of many people's lives, the film presents an alternative utopia. This imagined reality is one where animals live freely and happily without fear of being raised for slaughter, and where humans enjoy nutritious plant-based diets that pose less strain on the planet's resources.

The End of Meat incorporates familiar elements of the documentary genre, including expert testimonials, on-location footage, and data-backed presentations. But it also stands out for its aspirational approach. Instead of solely focusing on the problems with our current food system or advocating for incremental changes, it poshers viewers to imagine a radically different future.

The sportsperson perspective in the film is brought in by Jason Ball. As a professional Australian Football player and outspoken advocate for veganism, Ball presents a powerful rebuttal to the myth that athletes need meat for strength and endurance. His unexpected journey into veganism brings a unique, grounded perspective on the practical realities and benefits of plant-based living.

The End of Meat, however, never comes off as preachy. It invites its audience to embark on a journey of exploration and to consider different possibilities. It strikes a balance between science, ethics, environmentalism, and nutrition, bridging a dialogue between these often siloed topics. It serves as an eye-opener, portraying an optimistic perspective of the future where improvements to health, climate, and animal welfare are all simultaneously possible.

By the end of the movie, viewers are left with more than newfound knowledge and unique perspectives about the world's relationship with meat. They're also imbued with a sense of intrigue, inspired to question their own dietary choices and the impact these have on the world. The End of Meat is a stirring invitation to wonder and to weigh the value of tradition against the potential for a revolutionary change that could alter man's millennia-long relationship with meat. It is a film for dreamers, scientists, animal lovers, health enthusiasts, environmentalists, and anyone willing to question the status quo.