Lunarcy!

Lunarcy! is a quirky, intriguing, and thought-provoking documentary from EPIX that debuted in 2012. At the intersection of eccentricity and ambition, the show uncovers a realm of individuals charmed by the allure of the moon. Instead of merely describing space exploration or weaving tales about the lunar surface, it delves deeper into uncovering the intriguing human connection to Earth's only natural satellite.

The film revolves around the documented experiences of a handful of highly driven individuals, including entrepreneurs, artists, and relentless dreamers who harbor a unique fascination with Earth's celestial neighbor. These individuals are not perturbed by the fact that their ambitions often place them at odds with convention. In fact, some could argue that it is their peculiarities that draw them ever closer to their lunar aspirations.

The documentary introduces us to a spectrum of personalities, each character giving us a fresh look at lunar obsession. For instance, the audience will meet an exceptionally driven young man, Christopher Carson, who is completely consumed by his aspiration of colonizing the moon. He is a self-described 'lunatic,' a deliberate linguistic mashup of 'lunar' and 'fanatic' that truly encompasses his passion towards becoming humanity's emissary to the moon.

In another slice of life, we are introduced to an aspiring astronaut, Alan Bean, the fourth man to walk on the moon. Instead of resting on his laurels, he has dedicated his post-NASA career to painting. Interestingly, each of his artworks tells a slice of a story about man's interaction with the moon, making him one of the few artists in the world with personal experience of their subject matter.

While some segments on the show provide an introspective outlook into humanity's potential future among the stars, others engage us with lighthearted whimsy. We meet Dennis Hope, a real-estate entrepreneur who ostensibly claims the moon's ownership and made a fortune by subdividing and selling lunar property. This character offers some comic relief while still emphasizing the universal enamorment with the moon.

The storytelling prowess of Lunarcy! lies in its ability to balance the unusual nature of these stories with a sensitive, non-judgmental narrative style. The creators have ensured that the show neither pokes fun at the subjects nor treats their passions lightly. The result is a deft and entertaining exploration of ambition, creativity, and of course, lunar fascination from various angles.

The documentary is also ripe with social commentary, daring the audience to question the status quo and ponder over the nature of human endeavors and the lengths we would go to in pursuit of our dreams. It constantly reminds us of our species' eternal quest for discovery and our insatiable curiosity about the great beyond.

The striking visuals and thought-provoking monologues all contribute to Lunarcy!'s unique charm. Through the show's unique style, viewers are brought face-to-face with the moon's cultural, scientific, and economic significance while also exploring the widespread allure and romance associated with the moon.

The show takes its viewers on a rollercoaster ride from utter fascination to gentle humor, through dark corners of obsession, and finally towards a sense of awe-inspiring revelation. It challenges us to ponder what it is that makes us human: Is it the courage to chase our dreams, no matter how outlandish they might be? Is it the insatiable pursuit of exploration and expansion? Or is it something even deeper, encoded in our DNA, compelling us to always look up and wonder what lies beyond the terrestrial?

Lunarcy! is a shift from your typical documentary. It gives viewers an unexpected window into a niche of humanity's extraordinary facets, presenting a world where lunar obsession isn't merely a passing interest or hobby – it's a lifestyle choice, a lifelong pursuit. For viewers who are intrigued by space exploration, the human psyche, or who simply enjoy unexpected tales of peculiar characters, Lunarcy! is a must-watch.